Proud to Plan

Our Promotional Video

2012-02-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

We debuted our promotional film last month and have been getting great feedback! We just wanted to take a minute and thank Alicia from Blossom Productions for making it for us. It turned out better than we could have ever imagined! We'd also like to thank Jennifer Childress Photography and John Shetron Photography for letting us use their images in the video. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out and learn more about our philosophy!

Proud to Plan promotional film from Proud to Plan on Vimeo.

Holiday Inspirations {Valentine's Day}

2012-02-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

February 14th is just around the corner and I, for one, can't wait! While some people think Valentine's Day is cheesy or too commercial, I think it's a great backdrop for celebrations, including weddings. The beauty of this particular holiday is that it can inspire such a wide variety of unique touches ranging from subtle and romantic to bold and fun.

One way to really make a Valentine's Day wedding your own is through your color palette. Red and pink are obvious choices and while both look lovely paired with black and white, you don't have to limit yourself. Try adding warm shades such as gold or beige or cool tones like blue and grey to create a unique look.

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Set the tone for your big day with Save the Dates that capture your favorite aspects of the holiday.

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For a cohesive look, continue the theme with all of your paper products including invitations, programs, place cards and menus.

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Depending on where you live, your Valentine's Day nuptials may fall in the middle of frosty February, but don't rule out shorter dresses entirely. There's just something so fitting about the full skirts and flirty details of tea-length dresses like the ones below.

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Plus, a shorter dress will give you the opportunity to show off some amazing shoes! With accents like delicate ruffles, glamorous sparkles or whimsical hearts, there are plenty of options for every Valentine's Day style.

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When it comes to accessorizing, shoes are just the beginning. Clutches and jewelry are a great way to make a statement and carry out your theme without going overboard. This patterned clutch and delicate "Love" necklaces from Etsy would both make lovely additions to your wedding ensemble or perfect gifts for your bridal party.

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And don't forget about the guys. Coordinating converse or colorful socks are a great idea. You can also add a little of the holiday spirit to their look with love themed pieces like a simple heart boutonniere or "XO" cufflinks.

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Dressing up your venue is just as important as dressing up your wedding party. Florals are often a key element of wedding decor. Choose from seasonal blooms such as Ranunculus, Chrysanthemums or Anemones. Whatever you decide, remember, the vases or vessels you select can make as much of an impact as the flowers themselves. They can take your look from one end of the spectrum to the other. Blue mason jars add an overwhelming sense of romance, especially when paired with white or pink blooms. Milk glass is a great option whether you're going for a classic vibe or something more sleek and modern. Valentine's Day weddings are the perfect time to make decor choices that are a little unconventional. Try arranging flowers on top of beautifully wrapped gift boxes of varying sizes for a unique touch.

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Details really are essential to creating the right atmosphere on your wedding day. From the stationery to the decor, they make your event standout and your theme come to life. For Valentine's Day, I love the look of lace. It complements just about any color scheme and can be paired easily with elements that are rustic and casual or formal and elegant. Incorporate it into your invitations or wrap your bouquet in it. Add texture to your table with a lace runner or napkins. Or, create a truly romantic mood by covering your votive candles with lace.

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If you're looking to show off the more playful side of Valentine's Day, another great detail is the heart. As you've already seen, hearts can be included in so many aspects of your wedding. I love the idea of featuring hearts in garland or bunting. It can be used to line the aisle at your ceremony or embellish tables at your reception. Drape it across the back of your chairs at the sweetheart table or hang it vertically in rows to create a photo backdrop.

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Once your decor is set, it's time to focus on the celebration. Signature cocktails are the perfect way to get any party started. Try something fruity in pink or red or opt for a decadent chocolate flavor.

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No Valentine's Day inspired celebration would be complete without a little sugar. Wedding cakes can serve not only as dessert, but as beautifully decorative pieces for your reception. They are as customizable as can be. Whether you're after tall ruffled tiers or even a tower of delicate cupcakes, you're certain to find it.

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And the sweets don't have to end with cake. There are so many other options to consider from cookies to Whoopie Pies to Macarons- all of which can be made in coordinating colors or shaped like a heart to add to the overall look of the day. They can be served to your guests or wrapped as favors to take home.

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No matter what aspect of Valentine's Day you choose to highlight, your wedding is bound to be a beautiful celebration of love.

-Laura

Best of Delaware 2012

2012-02-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last year we were honored to win Delaware Today's Best Of Delaware Critic's Choice Award for Best Upstate Wedding Planner. This year, our category is open to public votes! Please take a second to place your vote for favorites in all categories. Voting ends on February 29th, 2012 so please spread the word! Here is a direct link to the voting ballot. Thanks again for all of your support!!

10 Reasons to Hire a Professional Wedding Planner

2012-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, our good friends at Synergetic Sound and Lighting, asked Erin for some insider tips on why you should hire a professional wedding planner. You can head over to their blog to see the top 10 reasons or read on below. If you head over to Synergetic's blog, be sure to check out their brand new website! It's really interactive and has great information on it!

You've got the groom, you've got the ring...what comes next can be quite overwhelming! Planning a wedding while juggling work, school, family and friends can be tough and many couples can get stressed pretty early on. Most couples have never planned such a large event and may not be aware of all the details that are involved- enlisting the help of a professional wedding planner is a perfect solution! Many couples think wedding planners are only for those with huge budgets having fancy weddings. The truth is, most wedding planners have various levels of service and nearly every couple can find the help they need within their budget!

Here are 10 reasons hiring a professional planner will be the best decision you make for your wedding!

1. Save money and manage your budget.
A professional wedding planner knows what things cost, knows where to find deals and knows how to get the most bang for your buck. Building your budget with an expert is going to ensure you allocate those funds in the manner best suited to your priorities. A planner can actually save you money by helping to negotiate your vendor contacts to get you a great deal. If you splurge in one area, a planner can make suggestions on ways to cut corners in other areas without sacrificing quality, giving you the wedding you always dreamed of.

2. Save time and build a Dream Team in the process.
Researching wedding professionals takes a lot of time out of your already busy schedule. Wouldn't it be great if that task was made easier by having a huge pool of potential vendors trimmed down to a handful of fitting candidates? Having a wedding planner on your team does just that! Professional planners have worked with the good, the bad and the ugly and can help narrow your search to those that would be a perfect fit! We enjoy helping couples find the right vendors and love building teams of professionals that are easy to work with, fun to be around and can enhance the overall experience of your wedding day.

Carley and Adam's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

3. Stay focused and have fun.
With so many details to manage, planning a wedding can make your head spin! Having a professional in charge of tracking those details can be a complete lifesaver. At Proud to Plan, we have at least 3 planning meetings with every client. During these meetings, we review every aspect of your wedding day and provide you with lists of what is still outstanding. This allows you to stay focused as the big day approaches, which makes planning a lot more fun!

4. No Bridezillas here! Stay stress free and savor the process.
The difference in the stress levels of a bride who has had a professional help plan their wedding and one who has not is VERY noticeable- especially during the final stages! The bride without help is frazzled, frustrated and just ready for it to be over- this is one of the most joyful times of your life, this shouldn't be the case! A good planner will make the planning process a fun one! Hiring a professional ensures that your timeline has lots of extra padding built in, your vendors are all on the same page and the day unfolds exactly according to your expectations.

Casey and Will's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

5. Get your own, personal Wedding Expert.
There are a million questions that will pop up when you're planning a wedding. Enlisting an expert that has years of professional experience is invaluable. Anytime a questions pops up about etiquette, protocol, logistics and ideas, it's great to get an unbiased opinion from someone that has been there and done it and knows how each decision might impact the wedding day.

6. Mediator: the must have middle-man
Having a professional handle the many unsolicited ideas and opinions from family members is a great sanity saver! Because the wedding planner isn't emotionally invested, they can help speed along decision making without hurting any feelings. You certainly don't want to offend your future mother-in-law or create bad blood with your own mom. Leaving the difficult decisions in the planners hands will remove the sense of conflict, create compromise and ensure the day is always about YOU.

7. Unique ideas for personal touches.
Do you hate cookie cutter weddings? Have you been to a dozen weddings and they all seemed the same? Do you have ideas to make the details personal but aren't really sure how to carry out those concepts? Planners are a great resource for creative ideas. They will listen to your dreams and inspiration and will develop a plan of action. They know what is well received by guests and how to best incorporate each component into your big day.

Amy and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Leave It To Me Photography

8. Advocating for you, Always.
Your church might have someone that helps with weddings, your reception venue might have a coordinator, but make no mistake about it, these folks do not play the same role as a wedding planner. A hired planner acts as your advocate before and during the wedding because they have you, their client's, best interest at heart. They develop timelines for the day and confirm your vendor arrangements. They are a driving force behind your creative ideas. They are your eyes and ears on the wedding day, making sure all you are expecting is carried out according to plan. Because they have been involved in all aspects of planning, they can make decisions on your behalf that fit your expectations. A good planner will focus on the details which allows your other vendors to show off their area of expertise- whether it be photography, music or great food service!

Kyle and Olin's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography

9. Be the bride. That's it.
If you're worried about managing the details, you won't be enjoying the day. Hiring a planner allows the newlyweds to savor every moment of their wedding, without having to worry about a thing! At Proud to Plan, we ensure there are multiple teams in place to execute every detail. You don't have to be the one to ensure all VIPs are present for photos, you don't have to be the one to check on a late limo, you don't have to be the one to wrangle your rowdy bridal party...and neither does your mom, sister or maid of honor! Our coordinators are there to do all the brunt work, you just get to be the bride and enjoy your day!

10. Protect your investment.
You hire a real estate agent to help you find a house, you hire a lawyer to help with closing...why would you spend so much time and money planning a wedding without professional help, too? Wedding can be costly and having a planner on your team will ensure that every dollar spent is worthwhile and the planning experience is pleasant. Don't be the frazzled Bridezilla- hire a planner and have the wedding you always dreamed about!

Amanda and Andrew's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Carden's Wedding Photography

If you want to have the impressive event your guests will be talking about for years to come, a professional wedding planner is the answer. As soon as you start putting plans in place, set up a consultation with a planner- you'll be happy you did!

-Erin Proud, Owner and Principal Planner of Proud to Plan

Non-Traditional Bridal Showers

2012-02-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

Bridal showers have come a long way from a simple party "showering" the bride with presents. Today we see a lot of non-traditional themes for Bridal Showers. Here are a few ideas for your next bridal shower.

Lingerie Party

If your bride-to-be didn't register for a lot of household items, why not give her something that she probably won't buy for herself. Have a lingerie party! Ask the guests to bring a gift of lingerie or a romantic item. For example, candles, scented oils, chocolates, etc. Just be sure to check with the bride and make sure she is comfortable with this idea and if any family members or future in-laws are on the guest list!

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Around the Clock

This is a fun theme for a bridal shower. Assign each guest a certain time of the day and they have to bring a gift associated with that time. For example, someone who is assigned 9:00am, may bring a coffee maker and coffee mugs. Some guests will get very creative with their times. This is a fun twist on a traditional bridal shower.

Sunday Brunch

Instead of throwing an afternoon shower, change up the time and do brunch instead. You could have guests stick with this theme and brings gifts such as waffle irons, omelette pans or champagne glasses for mimosas.

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One non-traditional bridal shower that is becoming a trend is to invite men and have a Couples Shower. It's nice to include the groom in the festivities too! Just to be sure to check with the bride to make sure she is okay with this before you invite guys.

Here are a few Couple Shower ideas:

The Battle of the Sexes Shower

This is a great idea for a couples shower and includes everyone. Break everyone up into girls and guys teams and compete in different games such as trivia questions (sports, fashion, etc) and obstacle courses. You could throw some questions in about the bride and groom too! The team that wins gets a prize and everyone meets up at the end for a BBQ.

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Stock the Bar Shower

Invite couples to bring their favorite wine/liquor/beer/mixer and help the future newlyweds stock their bar. Have each guest write down the ingredients for their favorite cocktail and put them into a cocktail recipe book! You could even make this into a wine tasting. It's a fun and interactive way to hang out with the bride and groom before their big day.

Honeymoon Shower

A Honeymoon Shower is a perfect way to shower the bride and groom since this is something they will share together. You can decorate and give gifts based around the honeymoon. For example, if the couple is going to Hawaii, have a luau theme with umbrella drinks. There are also a few websites that allow the couple to register for activities on their honeymoon. Check out these sites: www.honeymoonwishes.com and www.honeyfund.com.

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There are so many different options and themes. Whatever type of bridal shower you choose, have fun with it!

-Nicole

Stacie and John's Wedding

2012-01-30T07:06:00.000-08:00

Here is another beautiful September wedding! Stacie and John were married at Mendenhall Inn in Delaware. Stacie and her bridesmaids started their day by getting their hair done by the ladies at Gloss Salon and makeup done by Janet, from Face the Occasion. Everyone looked amazing and their hair and makeup stayed in place all day and night! We created their stationery suite to match their color scheme of all different shades of purple and Honeybunches, did a fabulous job creating their bouquets to match as well. Their ceremony was held in the ballroom and was officiated by The Wedding Pastor, Andy Mahaney. Synergetic Sound and Lighting provided the draping for the room and up lit it in purple. When it was time to get the party started, Steve from Silver Sound DJ's got the guests on dance floor and Martin's Video captured all the fun! A huge thank you to Jennifer Childress Photography for these incredible images!

Congratulations Stacie and John!

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Erin

2012-01-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself:

I'm Erin Proud, owner and principal consultant of Proud to Plan. I started this business in 2007, and have seen it develop into something way more than I could have ever imagined! I have been married to my husband, TJ, (that I'm lucky to have as the head of our stationery division) since 2006. We have two kitty sisters, Riley and Roxy and a pitbull/lab mix named Reese.

Where do you live?:

Wilmington, DE

Give us three words that best describe your personality:

Optimistic, hilarious and tenacious

How did you get involved in the event industry?:

From an early age, I gravitated towards planning things- I was head cheerleader in high school and very active in student council. When I went to college, I majored in Hotel/Restaurant Management and took a concentration in event planning. During those years, I interned in all aspects of special events at an Atlantic City casino, and upon graduating college, took a position coordinating events for a large global Pharmaceutical company. I took a side job managing weddings and loved it so much I decided to try and make it a full time gig!

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?:

Showing the bride the reception room for the first time! There's nothing better than hearing her gasp and seeing the reaction to everything she's worked so hard to plan. It's like watching a dream come true right before your eyes!

When you're not doing events, what do you do?:

I'm the secretary of the University of Delaware's Hospitality Alumni Association. We put together networking events and give current students the opportunity to learn from those of us that have been there before! I mentor a few students each year and make sure I speak in one class every semester. My education was so important in helping me realize my dream; I really enjoy paying it back to the University that got me here!

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?:

I love eating out and meeting friends for drinks! I rarely have free time, so when those opportunities arise, I jump at them!

Fun question, if you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Chickie's and Pete's crab fries. And a Blue Moon with 2 orange slices.

Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Winner 2012

2012-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to announce that for the fourth year in a row, we've received WeddingWire's Bride's Choice award! Thank you to all of our past and present couples who have reviewed us so well! You will find the official press release below.

Philadelphia, PA – January 26, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Proud to Plan has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Wedding Planning!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Proud to Plan was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

Proud to Plan is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Proud to Plan for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Proud to Plan is one of the very best Wedding Planners within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today by going HERE.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Preparing for Your Honeymoon

2012-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Image found through Google

The wedding is now over and all you want to do is get away, escape your life, and relax as a newly married couple on your honeymoon. But, the only way to really make your honeymoon as stress free as it's supposed to be, you have to be sure to prepare well in advance for your departure. Whether you're going away for a week or a month, these tips will help you head off to your honeymoon well prepared and carefree.

Medical Preparation

Depending on where your travels take you, it's important to do your research on what type of pre-travel medical precautions you should take, including shots and antibiotics. If you're going on an African safari, you should be prepared to get 4-6 vaccinations before you go and many need to be scheduled months in advance, so keep that in mind. It's also best to have your doctor write you prescriptions for all of your medications, so you can bring them with you in case you misplace your medicine.

Documents

Determine what documents you need depending on where you are traveling. It's better to be safe than sorry, so the more documentation you have the better. (Tip: Make two copies of all of them and leave one set of copies in your luggage, one set in your carry-on and keep the originals on you in a money belt). It's also safe to leave your family or friends with copies of these important documents as well, along with your itinerary, hotel phone numbers, and any other information they may need to know.

Important Documents

-Passport

-License

-Plane ticket

-Credit and Debit cards (call your banks to tell them you will be traveling so they do not put an alert on your card and stop your funds)

-Write credit and debit card numbers down on a piece of paper and carry it with you in case you lose them

-Health insurance cards

Luggage

Figure out what type of terrain you will be traveling in and what luggage would work best. Are you just going to carry-on, are you backpacking, or can you take full size luggage? Research your airline and TSA rules and regulations as well if you're traveling by plane, to make sure that your carry-on and checked bags are the correct size and that you won't be charged extra. Be sure to also weigh your luggage before you leave and make sure it is at least 5lbs under the limit in case there are any discrepancies between your scale and theirs. (An easy trick: weigh yourself first, then stand on the scale and have your partner hand you the luggage, take that weight and subtract your weight and you'll know exactly what your luggage weighs). Make sure your luggage has locks on it, is clearly marked with your contact information, has a bright colored identifier that separates your black luggage from all of the others, and also include a copy of your itinerary inside the front pocket- so if your luggage gets in the wrong hands or gets lost on the way over, they will know where your travels were taking you.

Packing

Before you start packing, check the weather of your destination to make sure it's keeping up with its normal averages for that time of year. You never know when fluke weather will roll through, so it's better to do your research first. When it comes to packing, it's best to separate and protect things as much as possible. If you're running low on space, plastic air tight bags that can be found at retailers like REI make it easy to fit more in your luggage. You simply fill the bags with clothing, zip it shut, and compress all the air out, making your clothing lay flatter to give you more room in the suitcase. It's also best to use Ziploc bags to separate other items in your luggage, especially toiletries. Remember that if you're going to the airport, all of your liquids in your carry-on must be in a Ziploc bag and under 3 oz. each.

Below is also a packing list from yours truly. As I have traveled around the country and abroad, I have continued to add things to the list. You may not need them all or you may need more, but this list is a great starting point. Remember, don't pack too much, you will need to save some room for souvenirs and some shopping items!

Backpack/Carry-On

-Money belt (to hold all of your important documents)

-Medications

-Ear plugs

-Book

-Music

-Neck pillow

-Change of clothes

-Sunglasses

-Sunscreen

-Chapstick

-Tissues

-Hand sanitizer

-Bug spray

-Wet wipes

-Purse/wallet/bag

-Glasses

-Watch

-Camera

-Converter plugs (if traveling out of the country)

-Small notebook and pen (to write down places you want to see or things you want to remember from the trip)

Luggage

-Laundry bag

-Pants

-Shirts

-Jackets

-Undergarments

-Socks

-Shoes

-Pj's

-Raingear- umbrella and jacket

-Bathing suit (if needed)

-Towel

-Accessories (jewelry, bags, scarves, etc)

Toiletries

-Shampoo and conditioner

-Toothbrush/toothpaste

-Soap/body wash

-Lotion

-Face wash

-Brush

-Hairdryer/straightener

-Razors and shaving cream

-Q-tips

-Eye drops

-Tweezers

-Hair ties and bobby pins

-Make-up

And be sure to pack an extra change of clothes and your medicine in your luggage just in case!

Look Your Best

For the ladies, you may want to get your nails done and get your hair cut or colored. Schedule all of these appointments either right before your wedding or between your wedding day and your honeymoon so you're ready to go. For the men, think about what grooming you can do to prepare for your lady as well, so that you can look your best on your romantic getaway.

It's Okay To Save

We know you're supposed to spoil yourself on your honeymoon, but who says you can't be savvy while on vacation? Feel free to do your research on where the best hidden restaurants are in the area that offer local deals, and don't be afraid to even print some coupons. You know your new hubby will love the fact that you're already saving!

Find a Sitter

Whether it be a for a dog, a cat, your plants, your house or all of the above, it's important to schedule sitters so you know your belongings are in good hands. Having someone get your mail, water your plants, clean your pool, or cut your grass can help take any anxiety or stress off your travels. The last thing you want to worry about is something happening back at home. If nobody is going to be watching your house, set timers on your lights so that it appears as if someone is home at night.

Communication

Prepare a communication plan especially if you are going out of the country and will not have cell phone service. Even though you and your new husband/wife are supposed to be off relaxing on your own, you know your loved ones will want to know you're safe. Be sure to tell them you will check in through email when you arrive or make a slight schedule of when they should expect to hear from you. It will leave them a little more at peace.

One last thing to consider, is waiting a day or two to leave for your honeymoon. While all of that planning will probably leave you wanting to get away as soon as possible, waiting the extra day will ensure that your mind is clear and you won't forget to pack anything important. You'll also get to take your time and say goodbye to your guests that came in from out of town to attend your wedding. No one likes to travel while being stressed, give yourself the extra day and traveling will be so much more enjoyable!

Most importantly, enjoy this relaxing break and your alone time together while you can, you deserve it!

-Caitlin

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Lisa

2012-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself: I live in Bucks County and am a graduate of Neshaminy High School in 2002. I married my high school sweetheart, Ryan, in 2008 and we recently moved into our first house! And it is quite a full house! We are parents to the two prettiest girls on the planet, Olivia, 6 and Elliot, 2 and we have a pit bull mix named Blanca, who we rescued from a shelter in Philadelphia.

Where do you live?: Levittown, PA

Give us three words that best describe your personality: Overly-organized, Friendly and Loyal

How did you get involved in the event industry?: I hired Erin as my own wedding coordinator in 2008 and shortly after, applied for a job with her. I am extremely detail oriented/Type A personality and realized my dream of being in the wedding industry while planning my wedding!

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?: I actually have two favorite parts. The first is when the bride is getting ready to walk down the aisle. The excitement and nervousness that the bride has leading up to the ceremony magically disappears as she gets sent down the aisle, usually resulting in me crying, secretly of course :) The other is most definitely when the bride and groom are introduced at the reception. Seeing all of the love in the room and how excited they are to be married (and their family and friends clapping and cheering for them) makes me tear up a little. I'm a sap.

When you're not doing events, what do you do?: I'm the marketing and event manager for Proud to Plan and act as Erin's right hand (wo)man. I handle our blog, Facebook, Twitter and attend various networking events on behalf of Proud to Plan.

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?: When I'm not working or chasing two kids, you'll find me in my living room doing crafts while watching reality tv. I love love love crafts, so once the girls are put to bed, I turn on my tv and craft the night away. It's my favorite way to spend my alone time!

Fun question, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:
Since I'm the pickiest eater ever, this isn't a hard question for me: baked mac and cheese. Of course homemade with bread crumbs on top. Delish!

Planning a Destination Wedding

2012-01-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

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Destination weddings are beautiful and exciting and they can provide a great escape for you and your guests. However, planning a wedding from afar has its own set of challenges and requires a great deal of organization, persistence and delegation. Here are some things you'll need to consider.

The Destination

While many people equate destination weddings with warm weather and sandy beaches, you don't have to limit your search to tropical locales. From snowy mountain tops and picturesque vineyards to the bright lights of Vegas or the deck of a cruise ship, there's no shortage of available backdrops for your wedding day. During your search, keep in mind your style and budget, the location's level of convenience and the time of year you hope to get married.

Budget and Expenses

The cost of destination weddings can vary tremendously, so it's important to create a budget and stick to it. Consider the size and formality of the event as well as travel and hotel costs. Added expenses may include additional meals or entertainment for your guests, transportation, or even lodging for your bridal party if you choose to pay for it.

The Guest List

The size of your guest list will really depend on your personal preference and budget. Some couples prefer intimate affairs with immediate family and close friends while others opt for a larger celebration. Keep in mind that the attendance rate for out-of-town weddings is typically 70%, but this estimate drops to 50% if your guests are travelling out of the country. Do your best to plan a trip that is convenient to the guests who are most important to you, but be aware that not everyone will be able to attend.

Travel and Accomodation

It's important to find the most affordable travel and hotel rates available for you and your guests. Do some research or enlist the help of a planner or travel agent. Some airlines offer group discounts for ten or more passengers travelling to the same destination even if they're not all departing from the same place. Be sure to set up room blocks for your guests and see what transportation options are available.

Extra Touches and Activities

Your guests will be spending a lot of time, energy and money to attend your destination wedding, so be sure to treat them well. Out of Town Bags are a great way to show your appreciation. It's also a good idea to treat your guests to a Welcome Dinner and Day-After Brunch. If budget and time allows, consider organizing a group excursion. If that's not possible, provide suggestions for activities that your guests can do on their own.

Important Information

Getting information out to your guests early is crucial. They'll need time to save money, put in for vacation days, make travel arrangements or even get a passport if your destination requires it. Send Save the Dates as early as possible so guests can start planning. Provide information packets or set up a Website so they can find everything they need in one convenient place. Be clear on what you will be providing and what they are expected to pay for.

Long Distance Planning and Assistance

When your wedding site is on the other end of the country or even the globe, you wont' have the luxury of stopping by at any time to make decisions and arrangements. Ideally, you'll be able to visit once in the early stages of planning to scout out key venues, select hotels and meet some of the professionals who will be part of your wedding day. However, this may not be possible for everyone, and even if it is, it's a good idea to invest in some assistance. Hiring a wedding planner who is local to your destination or has destination wedding experience is a really wise decision. Planners are great resources for vendor recommendations and can help you navigate any language or cultural barriers you may run into. They can find solutions for problems that may arise like weather issues or travel delays. Good wedding planners can make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper and provide you with a high level of comfort during an otherwise stressful time.

Vendors

Planners aren't the only important part of your wedding day. A great team of vendors can make your wedding dreams come true, so choose carefully. Having your wedding away from home means that you can hire vendors at your destination or bring them with you. You may be less familiar with destination vendors, but they have the advantage of being familiar with your wedding location. Bringing your own vendors can give you more control over your options, but keep in mind that you will be responsible for their travel expenses.

Transporting Key Items

Another challenge to consider is getting wedding items to and from you destination, especially if it's far enough away to require a plane ride. Let's start with the dress. When purchasing your dress, opt for styles that are relatively easy to carry and don't wrinkle constantly. Avoid checking your gown at all costs. Many airlines will store your dress in the First Class cabin for you. Call ahead to discuss your options. Today's weddings are big on DIY details, but as a destination bride, you'll need to be realistic about how much you'll be able to bring. You can opt to ship your items if your destination is in the U.S. or you can pack extra suitcases. There is always a risk of losing checked baggage, so keep absolutely essential items in a carry-on.

Legalities

Though beautiful venues and thoughtful details are all important, at the end of the day, the goal of a wedding is to be married, so be sure to take all the necessary actions to make it legal. Some destinations have complex marriage requirements such as residency rules, medical tests, or document translations and certifications. Research the specifics for your destination and give yourself enough time to complete everything. If you run into issues, you can always choose to have a civil ceremony at home and a symbolic ceremony at your destination.

Flexibility

In general, destination weddings will require flexibility on your part. Some things will just be out of your hands and you need to be prepared for that. Arrive at your destination a few days early to go over last minute details and make any necessary adjustments and then just let go and enjoy the adventure.

-Laura

Riding In Style

2012-01-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Though we all don't have the luxury of having a 110 year old horse drawn carriage accessible on our wedding day like Kate and Will, there are still many other modes of transportation that can help you and your guests arrive and leave your wedding in style, and almost anything goes!

First, A Few Things To Consider

Will You Ride In The Same Way You're Riding Out? - Are you and your soon to be partner riding with the entire bridal party or are you doing your own thing? Are you coming in on a party bus and leaving in a carriage? These are all things to consider.

How Many Guests Need Transportation? - Of course there is you and your soon to be betrothed, your bridal party, and close family, but you should also consider out of town guests that may not have rental cars or a way to get to and from the wedding.

Stop Drinking and Driving - To avoid tragedy on your wedding night, it is important to consider wedding guests who may need a safe ride home at the end of the night. Even if they are local, you may want to consider what you can do to assure everyone gets home safely at the end of the night.

Parking - Is there a designated space at the ceremony and reception site that can fit your mode of transportation? Is there enough parking for guests driving themselves?

Book in Advance - It's never too early to start booking your transportation, but a good 4-6 months out should be a good choice when making your arrangements. If your wedding is scheduled for May or June, you may want to book even earlier, because many local high schools will be having their proms during those months, and limos and other transportation may be booked up.

Timing - Are you taking pictures at different locations between the ceremony and reception? How far away are the ceremony and reception sites if they are in different locations? Timing your transportation can be one of the hardest things to plan during the planning process. Of course, timing isn't always perfect, but it's important to figure out how much time you will need to give you and your guests to get from one place to another. And it's always important to consider construction, traffic, and the pure delay of dealing with so many people. If your wedding is in the city, you'll want to check if there are any marathons, parades or races planned for your wedding day. This can definitely influence roads being closed or traffic in certain parts of the city. When in doubt, double the time you think it will take to be safe and ease your anxiety on the wedding day.

Style & Personality - It's important to consider the style of your wedding along with your personality when choosing your transportation. Consider the feel you are going for. For instance, limos might be best suited for a classic wedding, while a trolley might be perfect for a city wedding. Think about how your transportation will look with your dress, and style.

Be Prepared - Always tell your driver to be there a half hour before he needs to be and equip them with a list of all of those guests or bridal party members that are supposed to be traveling aboard. Don't forget to give them copies of addresses, contact numbers and directions.

Now, On To Choosing Your Type of Transportation

Antique Car - Bring back the classic look with an antique car as your transportation. Perfect for traditional or vintage themed weddings.

Horse & Carriage - Feel just like the royal couple and rent a horse and carriage. This may only be able to hold just two, but you can arrange other transportation for your bridal party.

Fire Engine/Cop Car - Perfect if you're marrying a man of service.

Pedicab - Pedicabs are a great form of transportation if your wedding is taking place in the city or if your ceremony and reception locations are really close. They are a fun way to take a creative spin on your transportation and they make for great photos too.

Boat - Whether a paddle boat, kayak or motor boat, take your pick. This fun transportation is perfect for weddings on the beach or near water obviously and makes for a fun escape.

Limo - Obviously the most common form of transportation mainly because the whole wedding party can fit inside. They're making everything into limos these days so be sure to look around.

Trolley - Trolleys are a great alternative to limos because they allow for a classic feel and can fit more people, so they're perfect for larger wedding parties.

Party Bus - If you have a long drive to the reception or a long drive home that night, party buses are a great way to keep the night going and your bridal party entertained.

Hotel Shuttle - Don't forget that if you are using a hotel, they may have a hotel shuttle that they can provide for free or at minimal cost. Check with them to assure that your guests can get home safe at the end of the night.

Sports Car - Live in luxury by renting or borrowing a friend's sports car for the night to take the happy couple around.

Golf Cart - Perfect for wedding at resorts or country clubs, golf carts can make it easier for the bridal party to get around.

Bikes/Tandem Bike - If you're having a spring or summer wedding, bikes can make a great unique transportation option. Try a tandem bike for the couple and singles for the rest. It's an easy way to go green to!

Horseback - You may need to practice at first, but riding in and out on horseback gives you quite the entrance, never to be forgotten by your guests.

Elephant - I'm not joking here! Though it may cost you a hefty penny, riding on an elephant could be a fun and unique way to ride in or away as a couple. It's also a perfect fit for Asian inspired or Middle Eastern weddings as this is often protocol in countries like India.

Helicopter - With the right budget and the right price, a helicopter could be a reality for your wedding day.

Motorcycle - Ride off in style on the back of your new hubby's bike!

Once the transportation has been settled, you'll be able to ride off happily into the sunset as newlyweds!

-Caitlin

*All images found through Google*

New Year! New Staff Members!

2012-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We hope you all had a great time celebrating and welcoming 2012!!

Every January, we take a look at our upcoming wedding season and evaluate the staff coverage we'll need. And every year, we realize- we're BUSY!! We need more amazing coordinators and production staff!!

So, if you think that wedding coordination is something you'd excel at, if you have a background in events, catering or food service, an eye for design and love for fine stationery, or if you're just a very obsessed-with-details-type-A-personality...we'd love to hear from you!

Between the dates of January 23rd and January 31st, we'll be accepting resumes and cover letters for the following positions:

-Assistant Wedding Coordinator: come onsite and help us execute the details of the day! This is a part-time/seasonal position.

-Spring Semester Intern: learn more about the day-to-day business responsibilities of a wedding planning team. Available only for Spring 2011 semester.

-Production Assistant: put together the finishing touches that make each couple's wedding unique. This is a part-time/seasonal position.

Submit your information to info@proudtoplan.com with the position you are interested in as the subject line by January 31st! We look forward to hearing from you!

Your Rehearsal Dinner and Morning After the Wedding Brunch

2012-01-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

There are many events associated with a wedding beyond the ceremony and reception. The rehearsal dinner and morning after brunch are two examples of these events. Here are some details surrounding the planning of these events.

Rehearsal Dinner

What is a rehearsal dinner?

A rehearsal dinner is a meal that takes place after the wedding rehearsal. It takes place prior to the actual wedding, usually the night before. It's a a chance for the bride and groom to thank everyone involved in the wedding. It's also a nice time for the wedding party and families to get to know each other.

What if you aren't have a ceremony rehearsal?

You can still have a rehearsal dinner to just meet and get together with family and friends before the wedding day.

Who hosts the rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner. However, if this is not the case, many couples include this in their wedding budget and host it themselves.

Who is invited?

The guest list is really up to you. All people involved in the ceremony should be invited. This includes your immediate families, the wedding party: bridesmaids and groomsmen (and spouses/significant others), flower girls and ring bearers (and their parents), and anyone else participating in the ceremony (readers, officiant, etc). If your budget permits, some brides and grooms like to include all out of town guests.

What kind of invitation is sent?

Typically a written invitation is sent to guests about four weeks prior to the event. It does not have to be anything fancy, just something to inform guests of the rehearsal dinner. Never include the rehearsal invitation with the wedding invitation. These are two separate events!

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Morning After the Wedding Brunch

What is a morning after brunch?

A morning after brunch, also referred to as a farewell brunch/post wedding brunch, is a great way for the newlyweds and guests to say goodbye and wind down the festivities from the previous day.

Who hosts the morning after brunch?

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the morning after brunch. However, some couples like to host the brunch as a thank you to their parents and guests.

Who is invited?

Traditionally, the immediate family and wedding parties are invited. Some may choose to only invite those staying at the hotel overnight or close family members/bridal party. However, everyone who was invited to the wedding can be invited to the brunch. Just be sure to be discreet when extending invitations if everyone is not invited.

What kind of invitation is sent?

A formal invitation is not needed for the morning after brunch. It depends on how formal or casual the brunch is going to be. Usually a note is included with the formal invitation if everyone is invited. Invitations can be spread by word of mouth or email if it is a casual brunch.

Where is the brunch held?

It's up to you! Usually, the brunch is held near the location of the wedding or hotel that the guests are staying. Depending on the guest list, you can have the brunch at the host's home or a local restaurant.

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-Nicole

A Thank You Note

2012-01-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent thank you note that we received from a stationery client! Thanks to Jennifer Childress Photography for sending us these gorgeous images.

TJ,

Just wanted to say everything arrived in great time and looked great! Our wedding day was wonderful and I really enjoyed how all of our stationery tied everything together! I heard lots of compliments at the reception about our beautiful invitations as well. Thank you!!!

-Mandy

Christina and John's Wedding

2012-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Christina and John were married on a gorgeous day in September at the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey. For Christina and her bridesmaids, the day started off with hair and makeup done by The Little Touches and everyone looked fantastic! Their wonderful ceremony was held in front of the shark tank, which made for an awesome backdrop. We created their day of stationery, which included their programs, reserved signs and table number tents. We matched the stationery to their color scheme, which was black and purple with touches of damask. Eventricity also matched the color scheme perfectly with Christina's deep purple calla lilly bouquet. Guests danced the night away thanks to Magical Sight and Sound and even got to enjoy a photo booth provided by Go Festive! Christina and John chose to have a cupcake tower instead of a traditional wedding cake and Christina surprised John with an amazing groom's cake that looked just like an Xbox console and controller! They were both created by Philly Cake Art and were as delicious as they looked. A huge thanks to Artistic Imagery for the beautiful images below!

Congratulations Christina and John!

Bridal Undergarments

2012-01-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

When it comes to planning for your wedding, one of the most exciting parts is shopping for that perfect dress. But not everyone thinks about what goes under the dress.

Depending on the type of dress you get, you may or may not need a bra or you may be able to get one built into the dress. If you decide to go the bra route, there are a number of options.

A bustier is a nice option if you want to be sucked in and pushed up a bit. They make bustiers with low backs that won't be seen, no matter how low cut the back of your dress is.

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Another option is a strapless bra. If you don't need the coverage a bustier provides, or your dress doesn't allow for it, a simple strapless bra could be perfect. Although if your dress is a halter, or has some thin straps or straps that cross in the back, a convertible strapless is a nice option since you can use the straps in any way to suit your dress and, in the process, give yourself some extra support.

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If your dress is too low in the back for anything, or you don't want it to be seen through your dress, a backless strapless bra, like this one, might be perfect for you. Remember to talk to your seamstress when you go for your fitting, they can recommend a perfect bra for your dress. Also remember that once you are fitted in your dress with a specific bra, that's the bra you will need on your wedding day! You don't want you dress to not fit correctly because there is a different bra underneath.

When it comes to panties, it all depends on what you're comfortable with and what your dress allows for. If you have a very fitted gown you might be better off with a thong or something seamless. If your dress doesn't limit you, go with what you're comfortable with! You can go with a classic bikini or boy shorts, lacey ones are or embroider panties with "Mrs", or something cute.

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If you want your dress to appear a bit fuller you may want to consider a crinoline, petticoat or hoopskirt, as it will help fluff out the bottom of your dress. You can also make it a bit more fun by dying it to match your color scheme or personality.

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-Becky

Wedding Tip Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

I spend most nights doing some sort of craft, since it's my favorite way to spend my alone time. My crafting kicks into high gear especially during the winter because I am not a fan of cold weather! Now that Pinterest has entered my life, I have no shortage of crafts to do. This tutorial popped up on my Pinterest home page about a month ago and I cannot wait to try it!

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I LOVE blue mason jars but the real ones always seem to have a higher price tag at the antique and thrift stores I shop at. I've seen them as low at $7 to as high as $12, and since you can buy brand new clear ones for as low as $1 a jar, this tutorial is perfect for making cute decor on a budget! Making my own pretty blue mason jars (or any other color, as you'll see in the tutorial) is my idea of a perfect craft night. I think that these would be a perfect option for lining a ceremony aisle. You could fill the jars with flowers or even with candles! Or maybe on your cocktail tables and bars or even line a path outside with candles inside. So many things you can do with these. I'll be sure to share my results when I finish them! Do you have any crafts- wedding related or not- planned?

-Lisa

What to Wear for Your Engagement Pictures

2012-01-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

"What would you suggest we wear for our session?" is what many photographers hear often from about every couple involving their own individual engagement sessions. Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer, and for that photographer to get to know you as a couple. On your actual wedding day, you will feel more comfortable around your photographer, and the photographer can take images that better show your personalities and relationship.

Consider the location where you'll be shooting and the mood you want to create, and then pick the perfect outfits to match. Some suggestions on what to wear for your session are:

Wear something comfortable. If you're not comfortable, it will be noticeable in the pictures.
It's best not to wear tight jeans or other tight clothes that could restrict movement or show curves that you don't want to show.
Wear clothes that are on the same level of dressiness. Don't dress up and have your fiance wear their everyday street clothes. Coordinate your clothing with each other and wear similar shades that go together. Choose clothes that look best on you, but don't be too matchy.
Wear something you love, and make sure it's "you". Choosing clothing that compliments your personality, will make it shine through the photographs.
Avoid trendy clothing. This will date your photos as soon as the trend goes out of style.
Choose solid colors because patterned prints will look busy in photos and draw attention away from your face, so choosing solid colors are often best.
Choose colors that compliment your skin tone. For example, if you have light skin, white or light color clothing can wash out your complexion in photographs.
Have the clothes match the location and season of your shoot. If you are taking pictures in a downtown area, you might consider more urban clothes, such as a nice button up shirt for your guy and more dressy pants or dress for yourself.
Wear shoes you love. Shoes can make a statement!
Avoid any major changes with your hair and makeup. You want your engagement photos to reflect who you really are, and you want to be comfortable in your own skin.
Consider bringing an outfit to change into mid-way through your photo session. You could start the session wearing dressy clothes, and then change into more casual clothes (or vice versa).

Here are just a few images that I found (and loved!) for inspiration:

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If you are still stuck on what to wear, check out your photographer's blog to see what couples, just like you, are wearing. There are also so many wedding inspiration blogs out there that can make you inspired; Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Ruffled, Green Wedding Shoes, Snippet and Ink, to name a few. Or check out Pinterest, which has an endless amount of inspiration.

Your engagement pictures can be used for your Save the Dates, guest books or just in frames to decorate your cocktail hour or reception and of course, will be used around your house. Take a little time to make these photos priceless in the many years to come.

-Amanda

Sarah and Mike's Wedding

2012-01-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Mike were married in August at Mike's family farm in New Jersey. Mike and his groomsmen got ready at the farm while Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready at the Hampton Inn in Flemington. Zanya Spa and Salon had their staff on hand at the hotel to get the ladies looking beautiful and ready for the day! They did a fabulous job and everyone's hair and makeup held up in the very humid August weather. Their ceremony was held in front of the gazebo on the farm's property and the Newark Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band played the music as everyone walked down the aisle. The Pod Shop had decorated the gazebo with blue, white and green hydrangea to match the couple's color scheme. They also created the large, lush centerpieces for the reception. They really made a statement when guests entered the tent! Jeffrey Miller Catering created a delicious and plentiful menu for the cocktail hour and reception. When guests were done eating, Mark from Synergetic Sound and Lighting had them up on their feet dancing the night away in the tent provided by Sperry Tents. Guests also got to enjoy a photo booth provided by Shutterbooth. It was full of fun mustaches and glasses that Sarah had bought. A big thank you to Pravada Photography for these wonderful images!

Congratulations Sarah and Mike!

Groomsmen Responsibilities

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

We wrote a blog on Bridesmaids Duties awhile back, so now it's time to give the guys some love and give them information on what their responsibilities are when they are a groomsman in a wedding.

It's a great honor to be asked to be in the bridal party of a wedding. The groom will want to have his best buddies stand with him and be a part of his special day. Just like being a bridesmaid, there are some costs involved in being a groomsman- bachelor party, travel, renting or buying a tux, wedding gift, etc. Be sure to consider this when accepting to be a groomsman. The worst thing you could do is back out at the last minute. Also, once you accept the honor of being a groomsman, don't complain about the cost. It's your friend's special day and he would do the same for you!

Here is a guide of groomsman responsibilities:

Prior to the Wedding

-You may be asked to assist the groom in picking out a tuxedo

-Get measured/fitted for tuxedo and pay rental fee or buy it

-Pick-up tuxedo prior to wedding day and make sure you it fits and you have all the accessories (bow tie/suspenders/cuff links/shoes/etc.)

-Attend all pre-wedding events: engagement parties, any co-ed bridal showers, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner

-Help Best Man plan the bachelor party and assist in cost of party

-If you are the Best Man, prepare a speech/toast for the wedding reception. If the Best Man is not speaking, decide which groomsman will give a speech.

-Attend and pay attention during ceremony rehearsal

-Be sure to not drink too much at the rehearsal dinner! You'll need to be in your best condition on the wedding day!

-Be a good friend to the groom and support him

Bev and Chuck's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Docherty Photography

The Day of the Wedding

-Be supportive and help the groom relax before his "Big Day". This does not mean getting him drunk! Keep him sober and his bride will thank you.

-Arrive to the location prior to the wedding on time with all necessities (tux, shoes, etc.)

-You may be asked to help unload decorations for the wedding

-Participate in formal photos throughout the day

Sarah and Carmen's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

The Ceremony

-Greet guests as they arrive to the ceremony

-Escort guests to their seats prior to the ceremony (sometimes there are separate ushers for this job)

-Leave the first few rows reserved for bridal party and family members

-The Best Man is usually responsible for holding onto the rings for the ceremony- keep them in a safe pocket!

-Walk and stand near the groom during the ceremony

-Escort bridesmaids down the aisle after the ceremony

-The Best Man may be asked to be a witness and sign the marriage license

Sarah and Andy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

At The Reception

-Escort bridesmaids into reception during introductions

-You may be seated at the Head Table with the Bride and Groom

-You may be asked to dance with bridesmaids during a special dance

-The Best Man will give his speech

-Participate in the garter toss

-Dance when the music starts and get other guests up to dance

-Be on your best behavior!

-Sometimes the Best Man is asked to give out tips to certain vendors at the end of the evening provided by the Bride and Groom

-You may be asked to help load gifts or extra alcohol at the end of the night

-Give a wedding gift

Angela and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

After the Wedding

-Return your tux to the rental shop (you may be asked to return the groom's tux as well)

Being a groomsman is a great honor! Have fun with your best bud and enjoy his wedding day!

-Nicole

Types of Wedding Programs

2011-12-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Kristin and Michael's programs
Photo courtesy of Barnyard Photography

When it comes to deciding on programs for your wedding ceremony, there are a number of things to consider- how much information you have to share, the time of year, your overall theme/style, etc. If you're having an outdoor ceremony in the summer, a fan program would fit wonderfully, but if you're planning a long ceremony with a large bridal party, you may not have enough room to fit all of the information- so in that case you might want to do a traditional booklet program and set a basket of fans next to it, your guests will thank you.

Casey and Will's fan programs
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

You can do a simple one page program like this one below. It tells guests what they need to know in a simple and compact way.

Rebecca and Jesse's programs
Photo courtesy of Hoffer Photography

There are also lots of variations on traditional programs. Instead of a rectangular one try a square one.

Lauren and Ed's programs
Photo courtesy of Barton Paul Photography

You can carry your color scheme over to your programs and make them as simple or customized as you'd like. Here are two rectangular booklets. This one is upgraded to a cardstock cover with the monogram on the outside.

Kyle and Olin's programs
Photo courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography

Same as above but this one is a bit simpler and does not have a cover.

Bev and Chuck's programs
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Docherty Photography

One of my favorite types right now is a vertical, layered program, bound at the top. Each layer is longer than the one above it, so your guests can easily flip through. And you can even label each page on the bottom so guests know what information they're flipping to.

Christina and John's layered programs...coming soon!
Photo courtesy of Artistic Imagery

Regardless of what style you choose, be sure to to share all of the important information- who's who in the bridal party, breakdown of the ceremony, any prayers you'd like to share, etc. I also think it's nice to include a thank you to your family and guests, as well as an acknowledgment of loved ones who are no longer with you.

-Becky

All of these programs were created by Paper by Proud. If you have the need for programs or any other stationery, contact us!

Pam and Scott's Wedding

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here is another beautiful August wedding we coordinated. Pam and Scott held their classic and elegant wedding at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. It is such a fun and interesting venue and one that their guests will surely not forget! After their traditional Jewish ceremony, their guests enjoyed a delicious cocktail hour menu created by Max and Me Catering, now known as Brulee Catering. The ballroom looked amazing with each table decorated with candles in gold stands on top of cream pintuck linens. We created their day of stationery suite; table numbers, place cards and menus, that were also cream and gold. Pam's bouquet, created by Beautiful Blooms, was full of ivory and cream flowers, it was simple and stunning. The newlyweds cut into their 4 tier cake that was made by Isgro's Bakery. EBE's Milan 77 had all of the guests on the dance floor the entire night and Video by Louis Anthony was on hand to capture all of the fun. Pam and Scott really took advantage of all of the great photo ops within the Museum and Studio K sent us these wonderful images to show all of you!

Congratulations Pam and Scott!

Thank You Note Etiquette

2011-12-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

The wedding is over, you enjoyed your honeymoon, everything's over...or is it? Did you send your thank you notes yet? Think of it as your final wedding responsibility on your wedding checklist. The thank you note may seem daunting but it is one of the most important details because it shows your appreciation to your guests for sharing in your special day. You may have said "Thank you" to each guest during your reception or spoke to them on your phone prior. However, this is not a substitute for a formal thank you note for a wedding gift. You must send a thank you card with a handwritten note for each gift received. This also applies to guests who helped with your wedding or who were in your wedding. It may seem like this inevitable task that is going to take forever, but if you break it down over a few days, they will be in the mail and you can enjoy newlywed life!

Here are a few guidelines for writing your Thank You Notes:

Time Period

You may have heard that you have up to one year to send your thank you notes. This is actually not true! It is proper etiquette to send them within three months of your wedding. However, if your three months have come and gone and you still have not sent them, you still have to send them. Better late than never! If you receive gifts prior to the wedding, you should send a thank you note immediately. This ensures to the guest that you received the gift and it was not lost in shipment. Plus, this helps you in the long run and gets a few out of the way early. NOTE: Bridal shower thank you notes should be sent within two weeks of the shower.

Wording

When writing your thank you notes, keep these tips in mind:

-You should include a few lines referring to the gift that you received. For example, "Thank you for the china setting you gave us, we can't wait to use them for Thanksgiving dinner next year. We will think of you every time you we use our new dishes."

-For monetary gifts, do not mention the amount. Refer to it as "your generous gift" and tell them how you plan to use the money. For example, "Thank you for your generous gift, we plan to use your gift towards a down payment for our first home. It is much appreciated."

-Never mention that the gift was returned! It's the thought that counts.

-Thank guests who traveled to your wedding. "For example, "It meant a lot to us that you traveled so far to attend our wedding."

-Along with thanking guests for the gift, be sure to thank the guest for coming to the wedding. It lets them know they weren't invited just for a gift.

-If the guest did not give a gift, it is still important to send a thank you card. Be gracious, and let them know that you were happy that they were able to share in your big day.

Addressing & Sending

When addressing the envelope, you should use "Mr and Mrs." However, inside of the card, you can use the guest's first names if they are well known to you. Be sure to address each individual who attended and signed the gift's card. It is appropriate to always handwrite the address, however, it is okay to have your return address pre-printed or use a label.

Types of Thank You Notes/Cards

There are many types of thank you notes that you can use. Many printers offer thank you notes with the same design as your wedding invitation or your monogram. Sometimes photographers offer thank you notes with a wedding photo on the front. Many of these options offer a pre-printed "thank you" inside of the card. This is fine, however, you must write a handwritten personalized note as well. "Thank you for the gift" is simply not enough! So remember, no pre-printed thank you card without a personal note is acceptable!

Some other things to remember:

-Always send bridal shower thank you notes separate from wedding thank you cards. Two separate events/gifts, two separate thank you cards.

-If a group of guests gives you a gift, it is appropriate to send each person an individualized thank you note. Never send a group note.

-It's nice to send a thank you note to your vendors. They helped make your day special and if you feel they provided exceptional service, you should recognize them for it. They enjoy receiving thank you notes that they can show as testimonials.

-Be sure to send a thank you note to family and friends who arranged showers and parties. It is nice to thank them for doing this. It is expectable to thank them in the same card you send thanking them for the gift.

-This may seem like a silly point but use blue or black ink when writing out your thank you notes. It's easier to read!

-Nicole

These are just a few Thank You Cards that we have created! Check out Paper by Proud for some ideas and keep us in mind when you are thanking about your thank you cards.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-12-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

On Friday, we had our last wedding of the 2011 season and it was super romantic from beginning to end!

Megan and Andrew's guests participated in a beautiful candlelit ceremony in the Conservatory at Glen Foerd Mansion, then enjoyed a delicious dinner service by Conroy Catering. Everyone moved back into the Conservatory to dance the rest of the night away to tunes spun by Matt Bowyer of Synergetic Sound and Lighting. Synergetic also provided the gorgeous ceremony and reception lighting which went perfectly with the florals by Nature's Gallery. The bride and Groom completed their night with a sparkler sendoff as they kissed under the stars. My favorite part of the day was watching the sweet "First Look" they shared, which was arranged by the amazing Tony and Amy at Hoffer Photography! They are an awesome team to work with- just look at these images!! Thanks to all involved and congrats to Megan and Andrew!

Laura and Jack's Wedding

2011-12-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Laura and Jack were married in July at the beautiful Laurita Winery in New Egypt, NJ. After getting ready they and their bridal party headed over to the winery for the reveal meeting. I just love Jack's facial expression when he saw Laura! So sweet! Despite the threat of rain, they were able to get some great photos on the winery's grounds. Their color scheme was blue and green and the theme was a rustic one with modern touches. In Full Bloom followed this theme with the bouquets and centerpieces. The centerpieces were clusters of flowers in mason jars and each bridesmaids bouquet was different! Laura did a great job with the fun paper items she made for the wedding. Guests found their table assignments on little pinwheels and we loved the pictures on twine that we hung on the barn doors. Conroy Catering created a delicious menu for the wedding and also made their classic looking cake that was adorned with their initials. Kyle from Synergetic Sounds got all of the guests on the dance floor and they danced the night away! Guests also were able to enjoy the photo booth set up by Wren and Field Photography. A big thank you to Emily and Cassidy of Wren and Field for sending us these stunning images!

Congratulations Laura and Jack!

Preparing for Weather Issues on Your Wedding Day

2011-12-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Amanda and Andrew's Wedding...coming soon!
Photo courtesy of Carden's Wedding Photography

No matter how hard you try, there's one aspect of your wedding day that you can't control- the weather. Bad weather, from extreme heat and winds to heavy rain and snow, can really put a damper on your plans. But it's important to keep in mind that even though you can't control the weather, you can certainly prepare for it.

Hire wedding professionals that you can count on not only to show up in bad weather, but to guide you through the challenges that come along with it. A Wedding Planner can be invaluable in these circumstances as he or she can handle all of the weather-related stress so that you can enjoy your day. If possible, try to purchase wedding insurance. No one expects a hurricane or blizzard on their wedding day, but these things can happen and in some cases they can even postpone your "I Do's". In these situations, certain insurance policies have the potential to prevent you from losing everything you've spent.

Consider the weather throughout every step of the planning process. When searching for your venue, look for spaces that will work rain or shine. If you have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, that's fine, but make sure the site has a Plan B that you're equally comfortable with. Many venues have covered or indoor options that can be used in case of inclement weather. If you don't love Plan B, keep searching. The last thing you want is to wake up on your wedding day, realize it's raining and know that you'll have to get married in a backup location you hate.

If you're planning an outdoor reception you'll definitely want to investigate tent options. Many venues already have tents onsite. Make sure they have sides and appropriate flooring in order to handle extremely wet days. No one wants to be damp or stand in the mud all night.

Suzanne and Ben's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Don't just consider precipitation when visiting potential venues- think about temperatures as well. If your ceremony is outdoors, will it be in direct sunlight, or will there be shade? Does the church or historic mansion you're using have air conditioning? Will your tent have fans or space heaters to accommodate unusually hot or cold temperatures? Asking these questions early on will help you avoid stress later.

Dress appropriately for the season. I know that sounds obvious, but when you fall in love with a heavy beaded gown in an air-conditioned store, you're not always thinking about the fact that it could be 100 degrees on your wedding day. The same thing applies for your bridal party. Dress lengths, fabrics, and accessories are all important. If your wedding is in the winter, opt for longer dresses and shawls to keep your bridesmaids warm. If you're getting married during a notoriously wet month, try to avoid fabrics that water spot easily.

Work with your florist to select blooms that are hearty enough to withstand heat, cold, wind, rain or snow. Consider ordering extras of smaller items like the groom's boutonniere so that you'll have a back-up if it wilts. On the day of your wedding, try to keep flowers indoors or in water as long as possible.

Incorporate details and decor that can work to combat any weather issues you may run into. Program fans or water stations at your ceremony are a perfect way to help beat summer heat, while a basket of complimentary wraps or a hot signature cocktail can keep guests warm if the temperature drops.

Jessica and David's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Wind can definitely be a problem for outdoor decor. Keep programs together in baskets rather than setting them out on chairs. If you're planning on using candles- especially unity candles- keep them in tall votive holders or hurricanes so that they stay lit. Consider LED candles for items like luminaries that could easily topple over in a strong breeze.

As your wedding day gets closer, keep an eye on the forecast, but don't obsess over it or panic too early. It might change a million times before your day arrives. If bad weather looks like a strong possibility, reach out to your vendors to hash out all of the details and make any necessary changes. Find out when you would need to make the call to use the Plan B site at your venue so that it's set in time. If your forecast calls for rain, stock up on extra golf umbrellas for guests who might forget them and make sure your venue has walk-off mats in place so they don't slip while entering the building. Umbrella bags and coat checks, or at the very least coat racks, are also essential. If snow is predicted, make sure the venue is prepared to salt and shovel. If severe storms and power outages are a possibility find out if your venue has a back-up generator to avoid leaving your guests in the dark.

Consider whether or not your timeline needs to be altered to account for slower travel times in harsh conditions. You may have to rethink any sort of send offs you had planned. Be prepared for the fact that some out of town guests, especially those flying in, may not be able to attend in severe weather.

Madeleine and Eddie's Wedding
Photo courtesy of mkPhoto

Check with your hairstylist to make sure that the style you chose will still hold up in whatever weather the forecast is calling for. Be sure that your veil is tightly secured in case of heavy winds. If it's storming hard on your wedding day, try to get dressed at your venue. If that's not possible, have your bridal party hold your gown off of the ground to avoid puddles and mud in your path and don't put on your shiny white shoes until you're ready to walk down the aisle.

Talk to your photographer about alternative places to shoot if the weather's too uncooperative, but try to get a few shots outside if at all possible. Have fun with it. Pick up some colorful umbrellas or rain boots for your bridal party to pose with. Don't be afraid to trudge through the snow for a bit in your Uggs. Rain, snow, wind and clouds can make for beautiful and unique pictures. If going outside is totally impossible, see if your photographer is willing to do a Day-After Session when the weather clears so you can still have the photos you dreamed of.

Do your best to be prepared, make sure you vendors are all on the same page and just go with it. You can't change the weather, but you can change your attitude about it...and in the end, that will make all the difference.

Stacey and Justin's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Sofia Negron Photography

-Laura

Veil and Hair Accessories

2011-12-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

It's your wedding day and you have your wedding dress on. The moment you add the veil, you feel it. You feel like a Bride.

There is something about adding the veil that transforms you into a Bride. There are so many different options when thinking about veils and hair accessories. Do you want to wear the veil all day? Just for the ceremony? Add hair accessories? Wear both? Here's the scoop on different veil and hair accessories for your wedding day.

In the past, it was believed that a bride wore a veil to protect her from evil spirits. Today, a veil is simply an accessory. When choosing a veil, there are many things to think about (length, style, color, decoration, tiers).

Length and Styles: You can find a veil in any length. There are birdcage veils, blushers,shoulder length, elbow length, waist length, fingertip length, knee length, ballerina/floor length, chapel length, cathedral length and mantilla veils. Most are self explanatory but here are a few descriptions.

-A Birdcage veil is a short veil that can fall just below the chin.

Julie and Ryan's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Sandor Welsh Photography

-A Blusher is a short veil that covers the brides face as she enters the ceremony. It can be worn separately or added to a longer veil.

-Elbow length veils fall around the elbow. They work well with ball gown styles dresses because they end where the fullness of the skirt begins.

-Fingertip length is probably one of the most popular lengths for a veil. This veil will extend to your fingertips.

Jennifer and Eddy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Justin & Mary Photography

-Chapel length is slightly shorter than a cathedral veil. This veil drapes the floor and are around 90 inches long.

Lauren and Ed's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Barton Paul Photography

-Cathedral length is the longest of the veils. It is the most formal and some can extend up to 9 feet along the ground.

Chrissy and Joe's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Laura Eaton Photography

-A Mantilla veil is a Spanish inspired wedding veil made of lace that frames the face.

Colors and Decorations: You will want to think about what color veil to choose. There are several shades of white and ivory, beige, golds and even pinks. You may also choose between a regular finish (matte) or a shimmer finish (shiny). Veils can also come with a variety of decorative edges. Some veils have a ribbon edge, some have lace and details sewn on. You can even have pearls or rhinestones places on your veil. Choose a veil that compliments your gown. You don't want to have a very ornate veil if your dress has tons of detail. Think about choosing a simpler veil so the detail of your dress will shine through.

Tiers: Veils come in multiple tiers. You can choose between a one, two or three tier veil.

Wedding Location: Think about the location of your wedding. You may be dreaming of a cathedral length veil but if you are getting married on a beach or outdoors you may want to rethink that decision. As beautiful as the cathedral veil looks, you probably will not want to be dragging your veil around in the sand or the dirt outside.

Hairstyle: One last thing to think about when selecting a veil is how you are going to wear your hair the day of the wedding. If you plan to wear your hair down, think about choosing a simple, lightweight veil. If you are thinking about having a heavy headpiece and long veil, you may want to think about wearing an up-do to support the veil.

In addition to wearing a veil, you may want to add a headpiece, fascinator or some hair accessories. A fascinator is a fancy word for a headpiece. Usually fascinators are made with feathers, flowers, jewels or beads and attach to the hair with a comb, headband or clip.

Tiaras: Tiaras used to be one of the only headpieces that brides wore. Today there are many options but this is still a classic option. You can choose tiaras as simple or elaborate as you like.

Marian and Brian's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Douglas Benedict Photography

Headbands: Headbands work with an up-do or a down-do. You can wear one with a veil or put one on after the ceremony for a new look at the reception. Headbands come in many styles. There are simple and jeweled headbands, some have feathers or flowers. Add an embellished headband and it will add instant sparkle to your look.

Kelly and Tim's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Artistic Imagery

Hair Combs: Hair combs are an easy way to add a little detail without going overboard. An intricate comb can complete a polished up-do or add some shimmer to any hairdo.

Jena and Jason's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Misty Dawn Photography

Feathers and Flowers: Feathers are fun and flirty and add flair to your hairstyle. Flowers can add a pretty and romantic feeling to your look. You can even combine them for a flirty romantic look.

Casey and Will's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

Devon and Mike's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Ryan Estes

There are so many choices when deciding on a veil and hair accessories. Good luck!

-Nicole

Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

2011-12-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe. This famous wedding saying is said to have dated back to the Victorian era in England with each line of the poem featuring a good fortune for the bride. As the theory goes, if the bride wears each of these on her wedding day, the marriage will be long and happy- so whether you believe in superstition or not, it can't hurt to include these elements in your wedding day attire! Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking:

Something Old

This represents the brides past and her family life before embarking on her marriage.

Your mother or grandmother's wedding gown or veil
If you aren't wearing a vintage dress, take a piece of the old dress and work it into the stem of your bouquet
Antique jewelry from a woman in your family
A family engagement ring or wedding band
Your parents cake topper

Image found through Google

Something New

This signifies the new life that the bride will lead and shows hope for her future with her new husband.

Your DRESS!
Gown accessories like your veil, a tiara, gloves, or a new purse
Spoil yourself with new jewelry
How about some new lingerie?
Personalized toasting flutes

Image found through Google

Something Borrowed

Most often a borrowed item should come from a married family member, so the luck of a happy marriage can be given to the new bride and groom.

Your mother or grandmother's pearl bracelet, necklace, or earrings
A family member or friends wedding dress
A brooch to put on your bouquet
A reception location
A cake knife from a family wedding

Image found through Google

Something Blue

The color blue, signifying fidelity and purity, has long been a part of the marriage tradition dating back to early Roman civilization. There was even a time when many wedding dresses before the late 19th century were actually blue.

Blue shoes!
Blue flowers (hydrangeas)
A blue garter or lingerie
A blue handkerchief
A blue ring
A blue "I DO" at the bottom of your shoe

Image found through Google

And don't forget the sixpence in your shoe...

Silver Sixpence

The sixpence, an old silver British coin, gives financial fortune and prosperity to the bride and groom, so don't forget to put a penny in your shoe before walking down the aisle. If you want to stay as accurate as possible, you can even order a keepsake sixpence online!

Image found through Google

-Caitlin

Jena and Jason's Wedding

2011-12-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Jena and Jason were married in August at the beautiful St Joseph on the Brandywine. Jena and her bridesmaids started their day by getting their hair done by J.K. Tangles and makeup done by Kristen Lober. The ladies looked stunning and their hair and makeup stayed in place all day! After the ceremony and a wonderful photo session, everyone headed over to Waterfall Banquet and Conference Center were the reception was held. They had a beach theme for their wedding and their cake, made by Figgy's Fancy Cakes matched the theme perfectly. It was adorned with shells made of sugar- it was delicious! Instead of a traditional guestbook, they asked their guests to sign a Phillies Jersey. Pat from Synergetic Sounds did an incredible job getting the guests on the dance floor to dance the night away. A big thank you to Misty Dawn Photography for these wonderful images!

Congratulations Jena and Jason!

Fun Bridal Party Photos

2011-12-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days of bridal party photos that look like this:

Image found through Google

Of course you will always want to have a few traditional photos to show the grandkids, but over the years, couples have been getting more and more creative with their bridal party photos. Be creative, make it personal and most of all have fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Go Back In History

Where was your first date? Where did you meet? Use these locations as inspiration for you bridal party shoot. Maybe your first date was a local ball game like this one.

Image found through Google

Get Silly

Don't be afraid to be a little goofy. Take a shot of the girls, then the guys or take individual shots and combine them for a great page in your wedding album.

Image found through Google

Abbey Road

You can never go wrong with this classic photo. Make it your own by including your entire bridal party, you will still get the theme across.

Marian and Brian's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Douglas Benedict Photography

Stash It Up

The mustache has become a hit feature in bridal party pictures in the past year or so, not just for the men, but the women too! Other ideas include; lips, glasses or funny noses too!

Sarah and Andy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

Trolley Shot

Your mode of transportation, in this case a trolley, makes for a great bridal party shot. Whether inside or out, there are so many ways to make this a great backdrop for a group picture.

Image found through Google

Jump For Joy

It might take a few tries, but once it's nailed, this photo is always a big hit. Make sure to include this on your photo list and hope your bridal party is coordinated.

Image found through Google

Leap Frog

Just like the old days. Take a trip back to your childhood by reenacting this classic game with your bridal party.

Samantha and Nate's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

In The Field

If you're having a country wedding, or there are farms near by, take a hit from this photo and have your photographer stage a set up like this one with the beautiful trees and high grass all around.

Sarah and Carmen's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

-Caitlin

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

What an amazing weekend! On Friday we told you we were headed to the shore for Annemarie and Jimmy's wedding and it was all that we expected and more! The weather was unreal for November and they were able to have their reveal meeting right on the beach in front of their bridal party. After some photos on the beach, everyone headed over to Abbie Holmes Estate where they had their beautiful sunset ceremony, performed by Andy Mahaney. Guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks at cocktail hour and Jason from Synergetic Sounds got the party started when everyone headed to the reception space. Annemarie saw this post on our blog and decided she wanted to have us design her menus to look just like them! They turned out great and guests loved seeing something different from a standard menu card. A huge thank you to Jennifer Childress Photography for sending us these incredible images! You don't want to miss the full blog post for all of the eye candy, so keep your eye on the blog!

Must Have Monday

2011-11-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

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Aren't these pretty?? I think they would be great for not only a bride but for a group of bridesmaids that are looking for some glittery shoes to complete their looks! I stumbled across these on my search for shoes for the New Year's Eve Event that we have coming up. Now, I'm not an all-year-round glitter shoe person but something about the holidays and especially New Year's Eve screams glitter!! With a price tag of $675, this girl was back to square one. The other night while lying in bed and exploring Pinterest, I came across this pin:

I'm quite the crafty DIY person, so this is right up my alley! I plan on trying this tutorial on an older pair of shoes that I don't wear anymore. I'll share the results if I end up doing it. I think that this looks easy enough that even a beginner in crafts and DIY would be able to it. So if you've been trying to think of how to add sparkle to your wedding day ensemble or even for your bridesmaids or even for a night out, look away from breaking your budget on expensive shoes and try this out. And share pictures with us!!

-Lisa

Featured Bride Friday

2011-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today's featured bride is one of our own coordinators, Annemarie! She is getting married tomorrow to Jimmy, a friend of Erin's since kindergarten. We love Annemarie (and Jimmy!) so much and are beyond thrilled to be coordinating their wedding with a FABULOUS group of vendors. We'll be back on Tuesday with some teasers from their awesome wedding but for now, read on below to get to know Annemarie and Jimmy and the plans for their big day!

Names of Bride & Groom: Annemarie and Jimmy

Wedding Date: November 26th

Ceremony and Reception Location: Abbie Holmes Estate

How did you and your fiance meet?: He was a bouncer at a college bar, I was trying to get into the bar and I got in- about a year before I should have ;) We saw each other around campus periodically and always said hi. On a random Thursday night (about 2 years after we first met) he came to my sorority house and we began talking. About a month after that night we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

Tell us about the proposal: Jimmy contacted our family and friends and organized a surprise dinner. I was told we were going to dinner to celebrate what would have been his grandfather's 92nd birthday. When we arrived to the restaurant he ran in front of me and then showed me to the banquet room. I was a little confused as to why we would be in a banquet room but didn't think much more of it. Jimmy opened the door to the room and while I was looking around the room seeing family and friends (people who would not have been celebrating his grandfather's birthday) he was already down on one knee. By the time my eyes made it back around the room, I was in shock and he asked me to marry him in front of all our family and friends. It was the most amazing night and so special because we were able to celebrate with everyone right away! We even went back to his mom's house with our immediate family and close friends and continued celebrating into the night and next morning. Our families organized a beautiful breakfast to help continue celebrating.

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: To have a party! The decor will be black and white with hints of purple. Centerpieces will be orchids and lots of candles. We wanted simple but classy.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Being able to work with the best in the industry.

What has been your favorite part of the planning?: Picking the venue and the food (we are both foodies).

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Jimmy to see me for the first time in my dress and our first dance together.

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: To see the excitement on all of our guests' faces.

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: They are all our favorites because we have the dream team!!! Proud to Plan, Paper by Proud, Jennifer Childress Photography, Synergetic Sounds, Manic Botanic, OC Cake Studio, Andy Mahany (officiant) and our beautiful venue- Abbie Holmes Estate.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Making sure we take time to enjoy ourselves.

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We have made it a point to focus on our family and friends in every aspect of the wedding. Friends and family have been invited to stay for the weekend in houses rented in Sea Isle City. Our moms will be included in our ceremony. Dinner will be served family style. Because it is during a holiday weekend, we are able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends we normally wouldn't see.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Best. Party. Ever.

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Bora Bora for Christmas and New Years.

Below is a picture of their invitation we created for Annemarie and Jimmy! We love the simple black pocketfold and the subtle pop of color with the purple belly band. We can't wait for this weekend!!

Signature Cocktails

2011-11-23T06:06:00.000-08:00

Signature cocktails are a great way to enhance your wedding celebration and make it more festive for your guests. Couples typically select between one and three signature drinks and serve them in a variety of ways. They can help your cocktail hour flow more smoothly and tie in your wedding style and details together. Here are several things to take into consideration when you're choosing a signature cocktail:

Flavor Preferences- Think about the type of beverages you enjoy. What liquors do you gravitate towards? Clear, dark, sweet, strong? Websites like Spiritdrinks.com allow you to find cocktails by searching for your favorite liquors and mixers. Make a list with your fiance of your top contenders and see which options would be the most practical. Look to classic favorites or current trends for inspiration.

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Your Guests- Once you've selected some options you like, decide what would be well-received by your guests. Even though you can't please everyone, it's good to consider cocktails with flavors that tend to be universally enjoyed. You can also opt to serve move than one cocktail in order to please a wider range of tastes. Having a lot of children or non-drinkers at your wedding? Include a non alcoholic option. There's no rule that a signature drink has to be alcoholic. Specialty punches, iced teas and lemonades are all great options.

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Budget- For many couples, signature cocktails are extras tacked on to an already full bar menu, but there are ways to make them more cost effective. For starters, you can limit them to the cocktail hour. Guests will still have ample time to enjoy your drink of choice, but you won't have to worry about them running up a high bar bill for the rest of the night. Instead of selecting a fancy cocktail at an extra cost, you can offer a "Bride and Groom's Choice" by simply selecting a mixed drink, wine or beer that's already included in your bar package and highlighting it for your guests. This will make the options seem more personalized without costing more. You can also use signature cocktails as a way to keep costs down. Opt to offer beer, wine and signature drinks only instead of hosting a more pricey full bar.

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Color- You probably worked hard on choosing the perfect color scheme for your wedding day. Why not take it a step further and select a drink that matches your palette? The beauty of signature cocktails is that you can find one in pretty much any color. Visit The Knot's Signature Cocktail Finder to help you select the perfect shade.

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Personal Significance- Is there a drink that has a special significance in your relationship? Something you drank on your first date or the night you got engaged? Or something that's always served at family gatherings or reflects your heritage? The Negroni and the Saketini are good examples of how cocktails can incorporate your culture. Choosing a drink that's personal to you will really add a special touch.

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Season- The time of year you're getting married can provide a great basis for inspiration. Choose beverages that highlight the flavors of the season. Light and refreshing drinks like Pink Grapefruit Mojitos are perfect for summer, while richer flavors like Apple Pie Cocktails will delight your guests during the fall.

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Location- Is the city you grew up in or the site of your wedding famous for a specific drink? Why not show it off at your reception. How about a cocktail that's representative of your honeymoon destination? Philadelphia brides can serve local wines, beers or drinks like this Limoncello-Gin cocktail made with Philadelphia's own Bluecoat Gin.

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Theme- Signature cocktails can definitely be used to enhance the theme or look of your wedding. From elegant to kitschy, there's something to match every style. I love the idea of a Cotton Candy Martini at a carnival wedding or a S'more Martini at a cozy rustic affair.

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Names- Names can be a really fun aspect of signature cocktails. You can choose something clever, funny or personal. There are several cocktails out there with names that are perfect for a wedding, like the Blushing Bride or Golden Groom. You can also rename a drink to be reflective of you and your fiance. Incorporate your new last name or a moniker that's personal to you both.

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Presentation- One of the best ways to impress your guests with a signature cocktail is through its presentation. Choose a great vessel for your beverage. You don't have to be limited by traditional stemware. One extremely popular trend is serving your cocktails in mason jars. Another great way to dress up any cocktail is with a garnish. Try colorful fruits, bright sugar rims, candy or even flowers that match your reception arrangements. Add a whimsical touch with striped straws, stirrers or cute flags. These embellishments are guaranteed to impress.

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Service- Services is another important part of the presentation and experience. Discuss your options with your caterer. Will your drinks be served at the main bar or a specialty station? Hand passed cocktails or a display near the entrance are a quick way to get drinks into your guests' hands right away and avoid long lines at the bar.

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Signage- Once you've chosen and named your cocktail, make sure you add some signage to tell guests about it. It will draw attention to the effort you put into your signature drink choice and make it easier for guests to order. If you're looking for something beyond a simple sign, try printing the drink name and recipe on cocktail napkins or coasters. You can even attach the recipe to a small bottle of liquor and present it to guests as a favor.

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However you choose to incorporate them into your wedding day, signature cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate!

-Laura

Lauren and Ed's Wedding

2011-11-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

Lauren and Ed were married in the beginning of August at the stunning Saint Thomas of Villanova Church. Lauren and her bridesmaids started the day by getting their hair done by Meghan from Hair by Meghan and having their makeup done by Emily from Cheekadee. They all looked fabulous! After their traditional Catholic ceremony, guests headed over to RiverCrest Golf Club. Eventions handled the lighting for the ballroom and it looked spectacular! We created their save the dates, ceremony programs, place cards, menus, table numbers and other various reception signs. Their fresh color scheme of green, yellow and white was complimented perfectly by the bouquets and centerpieces created by Petals Lane. Guests partied the night away to the music provided by Janis Nowlan Band and TLJ Studios was on hand to capture of the fun! A big thank you to Barton Paul Photography for sending us these beautiful images!

Congratulations Lauren and Ed!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

We're so excited for the last few weddings we have planned for 2011! Lisa and Chris were married this past Saturday and you can read on below to find out how their wedding day was and as usual, a couple great teaser pics!

Lisa and Chris' wedding couldn't have been more perfect!! It was a lovely autumn day and the sun was shining bright when they took their vows at St. Philip Neri Church. A quick photo session followed before the guests danced the night away at the Downtown Club. Thanks to Jordan Hayman Photography and Martin's Video for being a fun crew to work with! Jordan- these teasers are great, can't wait to see the rest! And thanks to Renaissance Band for keeping the dance floor packed all night! It was a flawless day with Lisa and Chris' fun family and friends!!

Must Have Monday

2011-11-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

Today's Must Have is a great hairstyle! It is definitely something that you may not think of right away; the venue, photographer and dress seem to trump the little details at the beginning. But once those things are set in place you should put some thought into your wedding day hairstyle. Do you want a super sleek look? Simple and chic or casual and ethereal? Up? Down? If you don't have a hair stylist in mind, ask your friends that have recently been married or have been in weddings, or your wedding planner, for recommendations. Try googling for images of hair styles or even look at wedding photographers websites for inspirations! Here are a few that I found on Style Me Pretty's Pinterest page. Whatever style you choose, be sure to have a trial (or 2!) to see exactly what it will look like on you!

-Lisa

Philadelphia Food Trucks

2011-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Food trucks aren't just for a quick weekday lunch anymore; they're quickly becoming a growing trend that adds fun and flair to Philly weddings. You may have your Philly favorites, but here's a list of some of the top contenders that your guests will certainly never forget.

The Dapper Dog

Having a tented backyard BBQ for your wedding? Get The Dapper Dog to give your guests all american hot dogs with a twist. Try the "Dolce Vita" dog with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sharp provolone, and parmesan cheese. Visit thedapperdog.org for more information!

The Creperie

By far one of my favorite foods! Offer your guests the chance to get something sweet, salty, or savory! From chicken to Nutella, they have it all! This truck usually parks on 13th and Norris, so stop by to try it out.

Sugar Philly Truck

Need a good dessert idea? Book the Sugar Philly Truck for your wedding day and your guests will have endless options. Choose from creme brulee, creme fraiche cheesecake, French macarons, or pumpkin custard in the fall. Or how about chocolate bread pudding or peanut panna cotta, the list goes on- there's something for everyone. Visit sugarphillytruck.com for information on catering.

Magic Carpet

For all those vegetarian brides and grooms out there, there's something for you too- Magic Carpet food truck is a Philly classic that has been around since 1984. Magic Carpet serves up a mix of Middle Eastern, Greek and Indian with favorites like baked tofu, humus, falafel, veggie chili and more. Email magiccarpetfoods@comcast.net for information about catering.

Buttercream Philadelphia

Everyone loves a good cupcake, so give your guests one from Philly's finest! Choices include red velvet with cream cheese frosting, banana cake with nutella buttercream, or simple options like traditional chocolate and yellow cake with vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache or peanut butter buttercream. Contact owner, Kate Carrara, at organizebuttercream@gmail.com for details on bringing Buttercream to your wedding. More info can be found at buttercreamphiladelphia.com.

Guapos Tacos

Guapos Tacos, owned by Jose Garces, yes THE Jose Garces, serves up classic mexican dishes with an Iron Chef twist. Give your guests a taste of classic guacamole, or salsa to start and unique taco flavors like adobo chicken- with white onions, radish, cilantro, queso fresco, or duck barbacoa- with radish kimehi and tagarashi aioli. Visit guaupostacos.com for all of the details! You can also read about Guapos Tacos on one of our past Featured Vendor Friday posts, right here.

Sweet Box

Give your guests a sweet treat with artisan gourmet cupcake from Sweet Box. Voted Best Dessert by Philly Vendy Awards, these cupcakes will easily surpass the classic wedding cake. Email sweetbox@comcast.net or call 215-237-4647 to book Sweet Box at your next event! More info at iheartsweetphilly.com.

Whirled Peace

The fro-yo frenzy is still going strong! Perfect for a summer wedding, or really anytime of the year if you ask me, fro-yo is a sweet dessert that will keep your guests cool. Whirled Peace is a local favorite that serves up your requested favorites from their funky food truck. Visit whirledpeacefroyo.com or email info@whirledpeacefroyo.com for all the details and a look at their featured flavors.

Lastly, when booking a food truck, be sure to consider a few simple things:

Food trucks are often best suited for fall or spring weddings, so that your guests won't be too hot or too cold while waiting in line. But, if your wedding is set for summer, try having an ice cream or slushie truck instead.
Try to figure out how many food trucks you will need to keep your guests happy and their stomachs full. Food trucks are made to fill many, but always check your numbers.
Finding the perfect parking spot for your food truck or trucks may not always be easy. Make sure there is enough room and that the truck is far enough away from guests so smoke or food smells don't linger, and make sure there is enough room for guests to line up!
Lots of local restaurants are now crafting up their own food trucks so they can easily serve their specialties at your big day! Do your research or ask your favorite restaurants if they serve their meals on wheels!
Also consider having food trucks for your rehearsal dinner or for a late night snack after your reception. Your guests won't be able to say no on the way out!

-Caitlin

Ceremony Send-Offs

2011-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

A fun idea to include in your wedding day is a "ceremony send-off". A ceremony send-off is something that your guests will do at the end of your ceremony to celebrate your marriage. For example, blowing bubbles or throwing flower petals. Here are a couple ideas to think about:

Rice/Birdseed

Throwing rice at the end of a wedding ceremony is the most traditional wedding send-off. It was a ritual which symbolized fertility of the couple and having many children. Rice is typically not used anymore; it has been replaced with birdseed. It's a rumor that birds would eat the rice thinking that it was birdseed and the birds would be harmed. An advantage of using birdseed is it is environmentally friendly and is easily swept away off of steps. If you are going to have birdseed thrown, just be sure to move quickly when walking through your exit. You do not want to get birdseed in your eyes! You should also check with your church as some may have restrictions on whether you are able to throw anything.

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Bubbles

Blowing bubbles has become a popular wedding send-off. All of your guests can participate in blowing bubbles and it's a lot of fun for guests of all ages. Plus, you'll get some great pictures! The reflection of the light and colors in the bubbles make for some really cool photos. You can purchase small bottles of bubbles and tie them with a ribbon or fabric to match your theme. This is an easy and no-mess option for a send-off.

Lauren and Ed's Wedding...coming soon!
Photo courtesy of Barton Paul Photography

Ribbon Streamers

A fun new idea for a wedding send-off is to use streamers. Your guests can wave different colored ribbons a the end of the wedding ceremony. Think about using the colors that match your wedding or even the colors of your favorite sports team. Streamers can be easy to make on your own, you just need some ribbon, a wooden stick and a hot glue gun! If you don't think you're crafty enough or don't have enough time to make them, head on over to Etsy.com, there are a ton of sellers who will make them to suit your color scheme. It'll make for a very colorful exit and some fun photos.

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Flower Petals and Flowers

Tossing flower petals as a send-off is also a colorful idea. This is another environmentally friendly option. Not only will the petals look pretty in the air, they will also have a great scent. Some venues may say no to the petal toss if your ceremony is inside. The petals can leave stains on the carpet or floors. Keep the flower toss to outside venues. Another flower option is to give each guest a single flower (rose, daisy, etc.) and they can wave it at the end of the ceremony. You can decorate the flower with a ribbon to coordinate with our wedding colors.

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A few other ideas:

Bell Ringing- Ringing small wedding bells can be a fun way to let people know that you are married. You can give your guests small wedding bells and as you exit everyone can ring the bell.

Confetti- This is a similar idea to the flower petals. Today you can find biodegradable options that are fun and easy for outdoor ceremony spaces.

Paper Airplanes

This is a cute idea and brings a bit of fun to your wedding. It's inexpensive and easy to make paper airplanes.

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Wedding Pennants

You can customize wedding pennants to wave after the ceremony. This is a fun favor for your guests to remember your wedding day.

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-Nicole

How to Choose a Wedding Website and What Should Be On It

2011-11-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

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These days, couples are embracing technology throughout their wedding planning process more than ever before. Personalized wedding websites are one example of this trend. Practical and easy to use, they provide a central location to organize, store and share information about your wedding. They are an invaluable resource for guests and a great way for you to communicate your plans and progress.

Here are some of the many things you can include on your wedding website:

Key Wedding Day Details- Even in you're sending out traditional invitations, you'll still want to include all of the major details for your wedding- namely, the date, times and locations of your ceremony and reception.

Wedding-Related Events- Having a Welcome Reception, Day-After Brunch or other outing? Tell guests about it so they can put it on their schedules and make arrangements to attend.

Accommodations- Let guests know about local hotels and any room blocks you may have reserved. Be sure to give them the phone number or website to make reservations and any pertinent discount codes. Provide information and times for guest shuttles if you're using them.

Maps and Directions- Some websites offer Google maps or similar directional resources so that your guests can get directions according to their location. You can also include detailed written directions for key routes.

For brides looking to use less paper, this is a perfect example of something you can opt to leave out of your physical invitation.

Local Attractions- Highlight your favorite local attractions, things to do, or places to eat to keep guests entertained.

Registries- Your wedding website is a great place to keep all of your registries in one spot. Link directly to each one so guests won't have to search.

Photos and Stories- Be sure to add personal touches that will make your website more "you". Tell the story of how you met or how your fiance proposed. Guests will love reading about those details. Add photographs of special moments throughout your relationship.

Who's Who- Some couples like to introduce key players in their wedding day, such as the wedding party, to their guests.

Blogs- Blogging is hugely popular these days. With this in mind, several websites allow for the inclusion of planning blogs and updates for couples that want to keep guests informed every step of the way.

Interactive Areas for Guests- Online guest books are an easy way to make your guests feel included by allowing them to leave a note or send well wishes. Other common interactive options include polls, quizzes, or places for people to include song requests for your reception.

RSVP Sections- This is another great idea for those looking to keep things green. Skip the RSVP cards and have guests respond directly through the website. Your invitation and postage costs will be reduced significantly.

Once you determine exactly which of these details you'd like to include, search the internet for sites that provide what you're looking for. Browse sample pages, test out as many free sites as possible and compare their styles and offerings. There are several questions that you should keep in mind. Do you want something simple and straightforward or more elaborate? Will your website be strictly informational or will it be used for detailed planning and interaction with your guests? Are you design savvy or do you need a site that handles all of the groundwork for you? Be sure to factor in your budget and whether or not a website is something you can afford to pay for or need to create for free.

There are so many websites with unique capabilities and features out there, you're guaranteed to find at least one that matches your criteria. Here are several options to check out during your search:

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WeddingWire offers a free membership that not only entitles you to excellent planning tools and vendor resources, but tons of free website templates from a variety of designers including Hello Lucky, Vera Wang and Martha Stewart. Several of the designs include Flash intros for added flair. Users are given and unlimited number of pages as well as 100MB of storage for photos and music. One of WeddingWire's best features is its selection of apps which can help guests access everything from flights and car rentals to local weather and entertainment.

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MyWedding is another free site with a great planning section as well as beautiful designs. Choose layouts from content partners such as Brooklyn Bride and Green Bride Guide or find ones with matching invitations. Photo lovers will enjoy the ability to upload unlimited images. Send group emails out to guests by uploading your address book from mail services such as Outlook or Gmail.

Other free and easy websites with great options and a variety of layouts that can also be matched to your invitations include OneWed and Wedding Paper Divas.

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Looking for everything in one place? You will love the simplicity of Google Weddings, which combines four easy-to-use tools- Google Sites for the actual design of a wedding webpage; Picnik for editing photos and creating save the dates; Google Docs for all of your planning and organizational needs; and Picasa for sharing photos and gathering inspiration.

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Wedding Jojo has a free version as well as a paid version. Your options are limited if you select the free sampler version, but for $14.99 a month, you'll have the chance to create a website with incredible levels of customization. The designs are sleek and modern and allow for color changes. Photos can be stored and sorted into albums for easy viewing. In addition to the inclusion of traditional registries, you can use their special honeymoon registry where guests can contribute to anything from suite upgrades to romantic dinners or excursions. As administrator of your Wedding Jojo site, you can opt to make all or part of it private so only the people you choose can view specific pages. You'll also have the chance to create a domain name that is personal and easy for guests to remember.

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Another paid site with truly unique and whimsical designs is Nearlyweds. It offers unlimited storage and pages, the ability to upload YouTube videos or MP3s, custom domain names and easy Drag and Drop editing. Guests will love the ability to comment on multiple areas of the site from pictures to blog posts and stories. They can even upload their own photos in the guestbook. You have the option of emailing some or all of your guests directly from the site to keep them updated on any changes. Nearlyweds costs $14.99 a month or $99.00 for the year.

Once you've selected a site and added some content, be sure to pass the web address along to your guests. You can send an electronic announcement or include the link on your Save-the-Dates or invitations.

Regardless of how simple or elaborate you get, taking the time to make a wedding website is definitely worth it. All of your plans and details will be organized and your guests will be informed and prepared to celebrate your wedding day!

-Laura

Must Have Monday

2011-11-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

This week's must have is not a "thing" exactly, but it is definitely a must- Pinterest! If you haven't discovered it yet, head over to request an invitation. Wedding season has slowed down and I'm finding myself on Pinterest every night just pinning the night away. I wish it was around when I was getting married because it serves as a great place to store all of your ideas for wedding, or your home, or as it does for me...crafts! Below you'll find a few links to pins that I came across this week and thought were wonderful wedding inspiration.

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Happy Monday and Happy Pinning!!

-Lisa

Angela and Sean's Wedding

2011-11-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

This was such a FUN wedding to coordinate! Angela and Sean were married on Labor Day Weekend at Holy Rosary Church in Claymont, DE. Angela and her bridesmaids headed over to Pagave Salon to get their hair done and the ladies from Ooh La La finished off their looks with beautiful makeup. After the ceremony, guests headed over to The Atrium at the Curtis Center, while Angela, Sean and their bridal party went out for a fun photo session in the city. Once again, Cescaphe did a phenomenal job with the spread of food and the cake they created was stunning and fit the theme of their wedding wonderfully! The reception centerpieces were created by Il Fiore Bianco and matched the stationery we made for them. We also made their seating chart, ceremony programs and the tags for their candy buffet. Guests really enjoyed the large candy buffet and they also were excited about the photo booth provided by Wilmington Photo Booth- there was a line all night! Bigg Romeo did an amazing job getting the party started! The dance floor was packed all night and everyone was having a great time. Sean's brother gave one of the greatest best man speeches and Video One Productions was on hand to capture it, and the rest of the party, on video. A big thank you to Pete from 217 Photography for sending us these images! Angela comes from a large family-who were so much fun- and Pete captured all of the entertainment perfectly!

Congratulations Angela and Sean!

Different Types of Bustles

2011-11-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Picking your wedding dress can be a fun but daunting experience. On your wedding day your dress will be the talk of your friends and family, it will be cried on, fawned over and danced in. If your gown has a train, it will be dragged on the floor of the ceremony and will be exposed to the elements outside while getting your fabulous pictures taken. But have no fear of your dress being dirty all night or being stepped on by many a guest. A bustle will hide any imperfections and you'll be able to dance and enjoy your wedding!

The first step in choosing the perfect bustle is finding some inspiration. Ask your seamstress what she would recommend for your gown and do some research on your own! Search the internet for pictures of bustles or ask recently married friends what type of bustle they had on their dress and if it stayed in place. If you see one you like, ask your seamstress if this is possible for your gown. Keep in mind that certain fabrics are better suited for certain types of bustles and you want to be sure to ask if your bustle will stay in place. If the fabric is too heavy for your bustle, it will most likely break. Also, keep in mind to ask the price of the bustle when speaking with your seamstress. Some are more expensive than others.

Here are a great group of options for your wedding gown!

One Point Over-Bustle
This is one of the easiest and simplest bustles and is also usually the least expensive! It is easy to find this bustle on dresses with lighter fabric as if the dress is made of heavy material, it will break. The seamstress adds a loop to the gown and a button to the bodice and you just hook it on! Super easy and makes for a traditional look.

Three Point Over-Bustle

A three point over-bustle will spread out the train and is more secure than a one point over-bustle. Since this is a more secure option, it is better for heavier fabrics.

One Point Under-Bustle

This bustle is secured with ribbon ties under the gown making it completely hidden. Since they are tied together, they tend to be stronger than over-bustles.

The French Bustle

This bustle is great for any type of fabric and is also secured with ribbons that are tied under the dress. The ribbons are colored coded or numbered and can have a wide range of 2-25 points placed low or high underneath!

The Double and Triple French Bustle

Just like the French Bustle, this is secured with ribbon ties underneath the dress but they are usually in series or rows of ribbons making it appear to have layers of ruffles on the outside.

The Ballroom Bustle

Gowns with very long trains are a perfect candidate for this bustle. Your gown will look like it never had a train at all after being bustled! Several points along the bodice hold the train up, making it look like a noraml skirt and it tends to be very secure.

The Austrian Bustle

Much like a loop and pull system you'd see in a window shade, this bustle is becoming more popular thanks to its security. You simply pull a string and it bunches the train upward.

From the easy one point bustles, to a more intricate series of ribbon tied bustles, something can always go wrong. Your seamstress can sew the loops very well, but it's always better to be ready for at least one of the loops to break at some point during your reception. It is always smart to color code or number the ribbons that need to be tied together. The color coding will help your wedding coordinator or bridesmaid to know exactly which loop goes with ribbon. When going for your final fitting, bring a bridesmaid or family member and have the seamstress show them how to do the bustle. Remember to bring a few diaper pins with you as they are more capable of holding heavy fabrics and they can replace a broken loop. Keep all of this in mind and you will have a beautiful bustle so that you can dance the night away!

-Amanda

*all images found through Google

Ideas for Unique Table Numbers

2011-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

It seems like such a trivial part of your wedding table decor, but you have to wonder what ever happened before the invention of table numbers? For planners, they are a dream come true- a simple way to make sure guests get to their seats in a swift and timely manner- saving many a headache.

For most of you, at the majority of weddings or large parties you have been to, your tables were probably marked with a simple number or table tent. But don't miss out on an easy way to make your wedding more personal. Many of these table number ideas are DIY and you and your guy can have fun making them together at home (if only you could convince him)! How do I love thee table cards? Let me count the ways...

Simple with a spin...

Keep it simple with these iron numbers that resemble house numbers you might find in your neighborhood. There's a very high chance you will be able to use them again- some way, somehow.

Lose the numbers...

You don't have to stick to the norm. Try naming your tables along with the theme of your wedding, after historic places in the city you wedding is taking place in, or some of your favorite things as a couple. You can put the name of each of these, or simply the picture and have your guests find the picture that matches the name on their place card. The picture below is from Beverly and Chuck's wedding, where they had us print their table cards with their favorite places to eat in the city!

Beverly and Chuck's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Docherty Photography

Hold the number...

Literally! Take a bunch of photos of you and your man holding numbers- switch up the scene, change outfits, make funny faces, whatever you like. It will give your guests a good look into your fun personalities.

Chalk it up...

Find little chalkboards at the craft store or buy a can of chalkboard paint and make your own! Use white or colored chalk to make a handmade table card that can easily be used again and again- at least to teach your future children how to count from 1-10!

Find the wine to dine...

Use wine bottles with personalized numbered labels and place them at the center of each table. Leave pens on the table for guests to sign their tables' bottle. The best part? You keep all the bottles at the end of the night- open table number 1 on your first wedding anniversary, table number 2 on your second and so on. Just like your love, wine gets better with age too.

Sarah and Andy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

Frame it...

Use matching or mix-matched frames to create a vintage and unique feel. Buy new or buy reused from any local consignment or antique store. These too can be used again for other parties or to decorate your new house!

Queen of hearts...

Not going for the classic look? Take a funky spin and use a deck of cards to mark your tables. Collect them at the end of the night and use them to play card games at the after party.

Street signs...

Lovers Lane, Bliss Avenue, Forever Alley...make it as cheesy as you want with table numbers named after wedding themed streets!

Light it up...

Multitask with table cards made out of lights and candles. They will add a nice glow to the room while also making it easier for your guests to spot their tables.

Read into it...

Get old vintage books at local flea markets and decorate them however you like. It's perfect for the book worm in you.

Count it out...

Give your guests a challenge with this cute take on table numbers. Perfect for all those teachers out there!

Get creative...

Think of what each number means in your relationship...years you have been together, your anniversary date, number of kids you want to have, how many days you will be on your honeymoon, the list goes on.

If you don't have time to get crafty and creative with you table numbers but still want to make them more personal, consider having them made to match your color scheme! Or if you have a motif that was on your invitation, carry it through and have it on each table number. The possibilities are endless when it comes to ideas for your table numbers. This is one aspect of your wedding you definitely don't want to just settle on.

-Caitlin

*images not sourced were found through Google

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

We didn't let the crazy weather make our two weddings this weekend any less wonderful! Read on below about Amanda and Andrew's wedding and Stephanie and Josh's wedding.

Snowfall in October?!? Sure!! Amanda and Andrew were married on Saturday, in the midst of a snowy Nor'easter but they didn't let it dampen their spirits one bit! The girls looked beautiful thanks to Meghan Cahill and Aleksandra Ambrozy, and Prime Time Limo made sure all got to the church on time (even though the roads were terrible!). Pastor Skip from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ardmore directed a beautiful ceremony, then Craig and the team from Jeffrey Miller Catering ran a great reception at the Baldwin School! Many thanks to Del's Groove for keeping the guests entertained and to Shelby from Sweet Pea for making the space look beautiful. Blossom Productions and Carden's Photography were also on board to capture the memories (and there were tons!!) for the couple! Thanks to Carden's Photography for the teaser below. If you look closely you can see Erin holding up Amanda's dress so that it wouldn't get covered in slush, that's dedication!

Stephanie and Josh were married on Sunday at Normandy Farms. Their reveal meeting was in the library and after they saw each other, they and their 16 person bridal party, braved the cold and took some great pictures outside. Serious kudos to all of them, they did an amazing job trekking through the snow, wet grass and large puddles to get some great images, without any complaints and we're sure the pictures are going to be worth it! They were married in front of all of their friends and family in the Grand Ballroom. During cocktail hour we flipped the room and when guests reentered, they saw the beautiful arrangements designed by Trevose Flowers. A huge thank you to Cindy Guessford Photography for sending us these teaser images! We can't wait to see the rest!!

Amy and Sean's Wedding

2011-11-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

We thought it would be interesting to take a previous wedding and, instead of telling the story through our eyes, have the BRIDE tell the story from her own view point! Toss in a little Hurricane Irene action and add in the skills of guest blogger, local writer/editor and recent bride, Amy Kates, there is quite a story to tell!

"So. Remember that time you got married smack in the middle of a raging hurricane? No? I do! But let me tell you something: The memories- although rain-soaked, wind-savaged and minus the 50-plus day-of no shows who couldn't venture out due to bridge and road closures- are absolutely amazing, thanks to the ubertalented ladies at Proud to Plan who turned a hurricane into a hurri-CAN.

I worked with Proud to Plan starting about a year out, and shared many a wedding-fueled breakdown with my gal pal Erin. But nothing could prepare me for the days counting down to my August 27th wedding the the Hurricane Irene dooms-day predictions started rolling in. To say I was "emotional" would have been an understatement. Every time the phone rang the week-of, I was terrified to answer, banking on cancellations from the venue and all my vendors, not to mention flight cancellations from friends and family flying in from Europe, South America and Canada. But Erin kept the faith that all would be well. Not just well, but rocking. She was right. Thanks to her, I found the strength to put on a happy face and go dance in the rain.

Our wedding was a cluster of vintage random. My must-haves were books, vintage hodgepodge, and peacock feathers. There were the three concepts I gave to Erin, and she ran with them. I had total faith in her to make the venue- moved from the original outside plan, clearly, to inside a tent at the beautiful Brandywine Manor House- sing. It sanggggggggg. When I walked into the venue that day, I couldn't believe how spot on they were with everything. Proud to Plan's instinct for design is unparalleled.

All our vendors were just as fabulous: No little hurricane prevented Kurt from Synergetic Sound and Lighting from doing his thing...well, at least until the power went out! The divine Laurie Sasko Designs braved the storm and arrived with all her gorgeous florals intact. The creatively artistic Kylene Cleaver from Leave It To Me Photography provided the images, and was gracious enough to extend a do over session in the sun. Our paper products, made with love from Greenleaf Paperie, stayed dry and pretty. Big ups to Posh Salon for making the hour-trek up to the venue in the storm, and Samantha Julian for feeding the people!

Aside from an early end to the evening due to Irene's rising waters and that pesky power loss, it was the best WeddingCane I've ever been to."

And here are a few images from their day after portrait session! A big thanks to Kylene from Leave It To Me Photography for doing this for Amy and Sean. They are a gorgeous couple and the pictures are amazing! Congratulations Amy and Sean!

Aisle Decor

2011-10-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

The wedding ceremony will be the most memorable part of the day. One of the first things that your guests will notice when they arrive at your wedding is the aisle decor at the ceremony. The aisle decor sets the look and feel of your wedding dramatically. Whether you're planning a classical church ceremony, a casual beach ceremony, or a romantic garden wedding; the aisle decor really can set the stage for the rest of your event.

Classic or romantic ceremony decor for your aisle could include floral pomanders, rose petals, candles or luminaries, and/or potted plants. Rose petals could line your aisle, or if you're looking for something altered, ask your florist to arrange the rose petals in a pattern or design down the aisle. Using luminaries can light the way down the aisle, adding an intimate feel to your ceremony. Even tall trees overarching the the aisle way could incorporate a dramatic entrance.

Jennifer and Eddy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Justin & Mary Photography

Mary Lee and Lenny's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Vintage weddings in venues such as mansions, a rose garden or even an old barnyard, aisle decor is almost inevitable. Glass mason jars are a great option for this instance. In the jars, you can place a flameless candle or a small cluster of flowers. The jars can easily be hung by ribbon off the side of the chairs lining the aisle or could be placed on the ground lining the aisle. Very cute, yet very simple! To add more height to your ceremony space, you can hang lanterns on sheperd's hooks. Incorporate a candle and simply decorate with flowers and ribbon to complete the look.

Katie and Brady's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Sarah DiCicco Photography

Kaylan and Dan's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Lloydlee Heite

Modern ceremonies can typically display the more out-of-the-box concepts, such as garlands made from paper, fabric or yarn pom-poms, paper pinwheels, wreaths, pew bows and much more. Simple, yet beautiful, wreaths represent the circle of unity that you are celebrating with your marriage vows. Consider hanging wreaths by ribbon of your chosen color over the end of the pew. Ribbons also leave room for creativity; try something different and attach many long strands of think, colorful ribbon off the back of your ceremony chairs. Pinwheels can also be used and are whimsical, happy touches. Instead of flowers, use pinwheels to decorate a lawn aisle. Pinwheels can be made out of interesting paper or certain colors, or get really creative and use maps of where your honeymoon will be taking place!

Beth and Mike's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Misty Dawn Photography

Liz and Mike's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Kerry Harrison

An aisle runner is perfect for either an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony. These runners add interest to your wedding photographs and protect the bride's dress. Wedding aisle runners in a variety of colors and you can get them customized to add a personal touch.

Chrissy and Joe's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Laura Eaton Photography

Melissa and Carl's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

-Amanda

A Recent Thank You Note

2011-10-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

We received another fantastic Thank You email last week! This time, our stationery stole the show :)

"Hi TJ-

I can't thank you enough for the absolutely beautiful programs, signs, seating chart and napkins you made for our wedding. Every single piece was absolutely perfect! Our guests were raving about everything, especially the seating chart and programs. One of my friends told me she has never seen a more gorgeous program at a wedding!

I was so impressed with how responsive you were throughout this entire process and your ability to create a suite of pieces that was exactly what I was looking for! I knew the hardest part of the wedding planning process was going to be the small details that tied it all together, and because of your products I was able to do that easily.

I will (and already have!) recommend you to anyone and everyone who will listen! Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can ever serve as a reference or write a testimonial. I will sing your praises anytime!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping to make our wedding day so very memorable.

--Courtney"